+ Well, apparently the author of this book we call Ecclesiastes, was not having a great day, the day in which he wrote these words. At least, that is how it would seem. The word “Ecclesiastes” (or “ekklesia“; or the similar Spanish word, “iglesia“), is a Greek translation of the original Hebrew word Qoheleththat means “teacher,” or “assembler.” Again, it is the word we use to describe what we do as a people when we come together in the “assembly” or “church.”
So much for the title. Now, let’s look at this book. After the first verse in essence gives us the title and attributes the book to a certain author, verse two jumps right into the wisdom sayings of the book.
It claims all things as being in vain. Five times in one verse, the word vanity, or vanities, is used, summing it up with —
“All things are vanity.”
It all sounds quite cynical and negative. The original meaning of the word “vanity” in Hebrew was translated “mist” or “breath,” and it is used 35 times in this relatively short book of only 12 chapters. But the book really isn’t seen so much as a cynical or negative book, but rather as what one might say is a “wakeup call.”
To put it simply, one can have the finest house, car, wine collection, paintings or any other precious or priceless items, and one good fire or crash or thief can take it all away. And that doesn’t lessen at all the value or pleasure that any of these items can bring. But, it does bring one back to reality.
All things are passing things, except the eternal things like faith, God, and spiritual truths, and the things that bring peace and hope and joy. And so in this almost ranting way, the author continues with the theme of vanity with so many descriptive words like: departs and shifts, and doesn’t become full and wearisome and not satisfied, and no remembrance and nothing new. Yikes! We get the point! Or should we just say — amen!
+ In this short passage from Luke, we hear King Herod wondering who this Jesus was that people were talking about, and how perplexed he was because Herod himself admitted to having beheaded John; and yet some were claiming that this Jesus was John raised from the dead, or one of the prophets so raised.
Herod was curious! Herod had questions! Herod kept trying to find out more! But, did Herod have any real faith? Or was Herod an example of “vanity of vanities”?
Did Herod ever hear the “wakeup call,” or did he just live day in and day out without ever really coming to believe in and hear this Jesus and what this Jesus had to offer?
And what about us? None of this is meant to be cynical or negative, but maybe a bit provocative and invitational so that we just don’t go “through life,” but really “live life,” and live it fully!
