#earlwoodanglican #BrendanMcLaughlin #ecclesiastes

Don’t worry, be happy

How awesome is the book of Ecclesiastes! I don’t know about you, but I have
just loved this series. And the reason I love this book even more now is because
I understand it better. I honestly came into this series thinking the book of
Ecclesiastes was a depressing review of life; i.e. life is meaningless. I have since
learnt this is not the case.
The book is written for the most part from the point of view of an atheist (or at
least a secularist); i.e. the person who thinks life ‘under the sun’ is all there is.
The author calls himself ‘the teacher’ (‘Qohelet’ in Hebrew), because his job is
to get the reader to think. He is like a tutorial leader, asking questions rather
than giving answers. And the first question he asks is ‘have you really thought
this atheist life through?’ It is not life that is meaningless; it is life without God.
Yet every so often Qohelet switches to speak as a believer. Several of those
occasions are to tell the reader to enjoy their food, wine, toil or spouse (e.g. Eccl
2: 24; 3: 12-13; 5: 18; 7: 14). Given Qohelet repeats this command 8 times in the
book, the main theme of Ecclesiastes is to enjoy life.
Yet you might say ‘but what about all the suffering I’m experiencing?’ Well
Qohelet’s longest treatment of this theme (Eccl 9: 7-10) comes within 2 sections
outlining how bitterly unfair life can be (Eccl 9: 1-3 and Eccl 9: 11-12). Qohelet’s
message is that even though life can be unfair, God also pours out abundant
blessing on his people for their enjoyment (1 Tim 6: 17).
So may we take up Qohelet’s mantle, and stop focussing on life’s adversity. He
doesn’t mean ignore hardship; just redivert your focus to God’s infinite
blessings, and enjoy life. Brendan McLaughlin

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction – Stupid
03:47 - 3 Points
04:58 - Folly Defined
08:23 - Folly Practiced
08:56 - A little folly ruins everything
12:24 - Folly in leadership
15:03 - Folly in deeds
16:08 - Folly in work
17:00 - Folly in words
16:30 - Folly Resisted



Bible Passage:
Ecclesiastes 9: 13 - 10: 20

Preacher: Brendan McLaughlin

Reflection Questions:
- In what areas am I tempted to ignore God’s wisdom, because I love my sin too much?
- Does the wisdom of the cross impress me, or disgust me?
- In what ways can I be less stupid this week?

Prayer for the day: Sunday - Trinity 3
Let us pray [for unity and peace.
All powerful and ever-living God, help us to respond to your love that is within
us, that what we do in the name of your Son may lead mankind to unity and
peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.