Chasing and Grasping for the Wind – Part Three by Ps Michael Podhaczky

In an earlier blog we continued reviewing the relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes as an encouragement for life. Some of the central themes threaded throughout the book are what can be called ‘Life Views,’[1]

• The vanity under the sun, i.e. in the earth without God
• Chasing and grasping for the wind, in the earth without God
• The enjoyment of life, is a gift from God
• Hope is only found in the reverence of God

Whether you have realised it or not Ecclesiastes is really a book of comfort for those with a relationship with God. However, there is disillusionment for those seeking the earthly lifestyle minus a relationship with God. It is a practical book, similar in style to Proverbs, with its warnings about sin and a godless life etc. Contrary to the view of many a reader, there is great hope within the book. Although, it might not be clear to begin with, this soon becomes obvious. It is not a search for the highest good; rather, it maintains God as the highest good.

As the book correctly shows, “No part of God’s creation, however good in itself, can supply the key to life (Eccl 3:11).”[2] The book of Ecclesiastes is more than a resource of vague sayings or proof texts for unusual life choices. In fact, it is a God given part of the Bible,

“The mandate to keep God's commandments serves to inform humanity that their ethical standard must be the will of God as revealed in His Word.”[3]

A faith based trust and God-centred worldview is the only true solution for life. The reason for this is, because it is the only valid worldview. It is “the most coherent view of the origin, purpose, and destiny of human life.”[4]

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[1] Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament. (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1978), 301-302. Waltke, Bruce K. An Old Testament Theology: An exegetical, canonical, and thematic approach. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007), 955-963.

[2] Dryness, William. Themes in Old Testament Theology. (Exter, Devon: Paternoster, 1979), 198

[3] Shank, H. Carl. “Koheleth’s World and Life View as Seen in His Recurring Phrases.” Westminster Theological Journal 37 (1974): 71.

[4] Rasi, Humberto M. “Fighting on Two Fronts: An Adventist response to secularism and neopantheism.” Christ in the Classroom vol. 8: 230.