The Preacher describes human behaviour that contributes to the heavy burden of life ‘under the sun’. In this chapter, the Preacher reveals the danger of living like the world and observes certain characteristics of the world’s system that people depend on for worldly success. Ecclesiastes 4 Evil Under the Sun 4 Again I saw all…
Some people never know when their time is up. Others may get indicators and Hezekiah was in this group. God graciously let him know so that he could have time to prepare himself. Hezekiah responds by praying to the Lord. Here we see his humbleness before God, seeking Him, not accusing or defying Him but…
Wise people respect time’s rhythms. Dawn, morning, afternoon, evening, night. Many people try to live rhythm-free lives, by simply doing whatever they feel like doing in any given moment, without proper attention to whether it is the right time to do that thing. This actually tears at the fabric of what it means to be…
As we explore Jabez and his story of pain, we can discover the comfort of Christ and learn how to avoid a soft prosperity gospel. We can apply Jabez faithfully in ways that lead to true spiritual blessings of comfort, peace, wisdom and strength to steady us in the press of everyday life. The Lord…
In this life, there always seems to be more to accomplish, more to profit, and a never ending search for the next best thing. All of the wonderful blessings in life, which we strive so hard to gain, can only be enjoyed to their fullest, when we realise they are gifts from God. This passage from…
Israel is fresh from a great spiritual victory. They have been delivered from slavery, they have been given a new life and they have witnessed God destroying their enemies in the depths of the Red Sea. Now, 3 days later, they are faced with a trial. After 3 days with no water, they come to…
Something is terribly wrong with this world and we want to straighten it out! No matter what we do or how hard we try, nothing seems to work! This bothers us! The problem is, that not only is everything on this earth crooked, but so is everyone on the earth! Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 The Vanity of…
True worship comes from the impulse to humble ourselves under the hand of God. Firstly, David cries for mercy, as he sees himself as unworthy in need of mercy and grace. Secondly, he cries out for a refuge, as he feels vulnerable before his enemies, realising he is not self-sufficient. Then finally, he calls his…
Why are so few people truly happy? As we study the book of Ecclesiastes, we will discover that learning, pleasure, laughter, and material possessions cannot satisfy our longing to know the meaning of life. All of our pursuits are stained by sin, and we cannot discover life, that is truly life, apart from the God…
Joel sees a future with two sides: salvation and blessing for those who call on the name of the Lord, but judgment and destruction for the people who go their own way. At the end of the age, when the day of the Lord comes, God will meet us either as a roaring lion to…