Wow this chapter is really depressing. I’d like to see Joel Olsteen preach on this one. I was in a good mood until Solomon reminded me that nothing changes (1:10), Generations come and go (1:4), and work is pointless (1:3).

I get it. I cut the grass last week and now I have to do it again. I help pick up toys I never play with. I wash my clothes only to find them dirty and in need of washing again. I eat a meal only to realize I’m hungry again and need another meal. Taken like this it is easy to understand that the meaning of life cannot be found in the simple mundane facts of out existence. The truth is I’m not the first person to exist and if the Lord should tarry I won’t be among the last.

So what’s the point?

That’s it exactly! That is the question that Solomon is asking. Why are we here? What is our purpose? How should we live our lives in order to live them to the fullest (all 3 the same question asked in different ways)

Application: grasping for air… what are you living for? Some things in life we must do to live, but they are not our purpose. A friend of mine used to always say, “do you live to eat? Or eat to live?” I’m a big guy and the point was obvious.

If we are not careful we can mistake the gifts of life for our purpose.

What are your thoughts on Ecclesiastes 1?