Chasing and Grasping for the Wind by Ps Michael Podhaczky

Chasing and Grasping for the Wind

Have you ever wondered what the book of Ecclesiastes is all about while reading it? It seems to be one of the hardest books of the Bible to understand, but, is that the case? It appears to state, life is profitless, thoroughly ridiculous and that goodness does not bring any reward. However, it examines life and declares what kind of life is worth living. It is a record of life without a relationship with God, (cf. 1:15; 2:24; 3:3,4,8,11; 8:15). It concludes that, the essential for a wholesome life is to “worshipfully reverence God and keep His commandments” (12:13).

 

Ecclesiastes outlines two worldviews, one emphasising the futility of an earthly outlook of life, and the other a worshipful relationship with God. The first worldview is an image of chasing the wind that is short-lived in appearance, e.g. 1:14; 2:26. It draws on the language of, the vanity under the sun, i.e. in the earth without God, chasing and grasping for the wind, a life without God. The second worldview understands that; enjoyment of life is a gift from God, and that hope is found in the reverence of God. Therefore, it is, in fact, a book of comfort and direction for those with a relationship with God. An interpretative theme throughout the book is the idea of worshipful reverence of God. This intertwined melody throughout the fabric of the life is the glue holds it all together; cf. 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12-13; 12:13. The real meaning of life is found only in a relationship with God. So, why not reread it again with this key to understanding and interpreting the book,

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: worshipful reverence God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of humanity. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil” (12:13,14)