Daily Devotions

The title “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word indicating a person who calls an assembly, so it makes sense that the author identified himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1 by the Hebrew word ‘qoheleth,’ translated as “Preacher.” 

Ecclesiastes presents us a naturalistic vision of life—one that sees life through distinctively human eyes—but ultimately recognises the rule and reign of God in the world. 

Ecclesiastes is a book of perspective. The narrative of “the Preacher” (KJV), or “the Teacher” (NIV) reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things. This book gives believers a chance to see the world through the eyes of a person who, though very wise, is trying to find meaning in temporary, human things. Most every form of worldly pleasure is explored by the Preacher, and none of it gives him a sense of meaning.

In the end, the Preacher comes to accept that faith in God is the only way to find personal meaning. He decides to accept the fact that life is brief and ultimately worthless without God. The Preacher advises the reader to focus on an eternal God instead of temporary pleasure.

In the end the ‘Preacher’ concludes, “And, when all is said and done, here is the last word: worship in reverence the one True God, and keep His commands, for this is what God expects of every person. For God will judge every action—including everything done in secret—whether it be good or evil.”

Of such reverence John Milton, says, “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

The word for reverence used in some translation is fear. For the believer, the fear of God is something much different from that generally understood within society. The believer’s fear is reverence of God. In Hebrews 12:28-29 we find is a good description of this kind of reverence: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ’God is a consuming fire.’” This reverence and awe are exactly what the fear of God means for Christians. This is the motivating factor for us to surrender to the Creator of the Universe.

Help us today to fear You and obey Your commandments, to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, revere You, worship You, trust You, and do what you have said. Live according to Your word knowing that this is where life is found. This is what we're made for. God, help us to live for this. Amen