READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Millennials and Gen Z often find their jobs meaningless and repetitive, leading to stagnation, disillusionment, and stress. Burnout is increasing across all generations. Ecclesiastes 2:23 states, “All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.”
The author of Ecclesiastes introduces the teacher, ‘Qohelet,’ who offers wisdom from experience. We will focus on his goal, observations, and conclusions.
His Goal
In Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, ‘meaningless’ and ‘vanity’ do not fully capture the Hebrew word ‘Hevel,’ meaning smoke or vapor. Smoke is real but fleeting, symbolizing a reality that exists one moment and is gone the next. In Ecclesiastes 1:12-14, the teacher declares that all things done under the sun are ‘Hevel,’ a chasing after the wind. The teacher urges us to dispel illusions and determine what is real and what is not.
His Observations
In Ecclesiastes 2:18-19, the teacher notes that we work to leave a legacy, but it can easily be undone by those who come after us. This is fleeting, like ‘Hevel.’ In Ecclesiastes 2:20-23, he observes that we toil to prove something, only to leave it all to someone who has not worked for it. This too is ‘Hevel.’ Our labour and anxious striving, filled with grief and pain, are ultimately meaningless.
In Ecclesiastes 1:3-11, the teacher reflects on how generations come and go, but the world remains. All things are wearisome, and no one remembers past generations. Do you remember the names of your great-grandparents? People will not remember us in a hundred years, even if we have millions of social media followers now.
Why is it Important to Hear the Teacher’s Words?
- We live in a society where success and self-worth are measured by achievements, leading to depression when we feel valued only by what we bring to the table. Many are burdened by the task of achieving greatness and leaving a legacy. When things fall apart, we feel disillusioned and think everything is meaningless.
- We are told we can achieve anything if we believe in ourselves and chase our dreams. However, when reality sets in and not everyone experiences a charmed life, disillusionment and depression follow. Parenting in Singapore is an example: despite our efforts to ensure our children’s success, they may choose a different path. This too is ‘Hevel.’ Control is an illusion, and things can slip through our fingers easily.
In Ecclesiastes 5:15-17, the teacher reminds us that we will all eventually die. We come with nothing and leave with nothing. The teacher offers a humble recognition that many things in life are beyond our control.
Hearing the teacher’s observations might lead one to give up. However, it is precisely for this reason that we need to hear the teacher’s conclusions.
His Conclusions
In Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, it is acceptable to find satisfaction in the labour God has given you. If not, don’t despair; continue to work hard and do good. Enjoying wealth and possessions, and finding happiness in toil is a gift from God. While everything is ‘Hevel,’ live in the moment, embrace both the good and bad, and avoid taking everything too seriously. The teacher offers wisdom: we often fail to celebrate life’s moments because we focus on losing what is good or wishing things were better.
Blaise Pascal highlights that people are rarely content with the present. They dwell on the past or anticipate the future, neglecting to live fully in the moment. This tendency arises because the present can be painful or fleetingly delightful. Consequently, people miss out on true happiness by constantly preparing for a future that may never come. Pascal suggests genuine living involves focusing on and appreciating the present rather than being consumed by past memories or future hopes.
How can we live for the moment, as Blaise Pascal advocates, and not be disillusioned with life?
In Ecclesiastes 4:4-6, it is stated: “Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.”
The teacher uses these terms:
Hands (“Yad” – forearm)
One Handful (“Kaf” – palm)
Two Handfuls (“Hofen” – clenched fists)
The teacher explains two extremes:
- Fools give up and ruin themselves through disillusionment.
- Others strive to control everything, exhausting themselves.
The best approach is to adopt a posture of one handful with tranquillity, accepting whatever God gives us. Take one step at a time and wait upon the Lord. Stay faithful, be humble, and manage life with maturity.
In John 5:17, Jesus says, “My Father is working to this very day, and I too am working.” This was Jesus’ posture: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked for God’s will to be done, not His own. At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was tempted to take control but chose to follow God’s will.
Let us thank God for this wisdom and reminder. Do not buy into the illusion that we can control everything in our lives. Maintain an open palm and ask the Lord to help us discern and trust Him. We are not masters of our fate; God has a plan and purpose for us. Avoid the illusion and lies that lead to feeling jaded. Walk humbly and willingly, whether in joy or suffering, knowing that Jesus is always with us.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- The Teacher in Ecclesiastes warns us about being overly optimistic about the outcome of our labours. In what way have you perhaps bought into the illusion of productivity and profit in our culture?
- How can you still take joy in your work knowing that it might be done in futility?
- In what areas of your life have you folded your arms (ceased to bother) and what areas of your life are you grasping with two hands (trying to wrestle control over)? Is that the best posture to have?
