A Self-Made Challenge

I just finished the Book of Ecclesiastes by King Solomon. OK, I’ll admit it. I made myself read it!

I’ve read it before but never studied it. My large-print *Life Application Study Bible (New International Version) motivated me with its footnotes, cross-references, introductory notes, and charts. We are blessed to have such help available

I’ve always enjoyed the classic beauty of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything,” then contrasted positive and negative events in our lives. It’s worth a read!

Ecclesiastes opens by using the word “meaningless” four times in the NIV (in the King James Version, the word is “vanity”). Not exactly words to draw us in, but this time I determined to plow on through it. Raised on the plains, plow was exactly how I felt about it. . . breaking into fertile, untouched territory, one chapter a day. Footnotes were the biggest help. Then I considered cross-references.

I discovered some “meaningful” scriptures along the way. For example, as a history major, I could agree with Solomon that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

From other Scriptures, I also knew he was correct in saying “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked” (Ecclesiastes 3:17). Also, it’s better NOT to make a vow to God than to make a vow and not fulfill it (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7).

I finished the book and then paged through to review. Chapter two caught my attention because sixteen verses in a row were extremely self-focused: “I” will do this, “I” will do that. My previous note in the margin said: Great accomplishments with no eternal motives.

At the end, with his focus on God and not himself, Solomon said, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13).

Remember: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Even the Book of Ecclesiastes!

Ready for a self-made challenge? You might be pleasantly surprised, or at least get a feeling of accomplishment.

*Life Application Study Bible, Lge. Print (NIV: New International Version) is published jointly by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Zondervan. Life Application Study Bible copyright 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2004, 2005 by Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL 50188. All Rights Reserved. (Note: Available where Bibles are sold. I purchased from christianbooks.com. It comes in different translations.)

*Pixabay: Explore, Word, Letters; WOKANDAPIX.