Series: Lost Plot  
Message: Seeking Meaning & Purpose this New Year 
Preacher: David Smith

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read of listen to Psalm 48:9-14.

Read: Ecclesiastes 12 - As you read in the New International Version, note 1-3 insights that arise. 

Reflect:  As we have already discussed, Ecclesiastes ends with the call for youth to remember their Creator before they are advanced in years. Why is it that the teacher chooses the word “Creator” here? Why not “YHWH”? Why not “Elohim” as is used (and translated as “God”) forty other times in the book. So much of the book has given the impression that life is meaningless, one can’t help but wonder if this is a subtle reference to the idea that each of our lives are significant, of value, and full of meaning and purpose. 

James E. Smith in his commentary The Wisdom Literature and Psalms notes that this is certainly more than simply a call to “recall” that there is a creator. He states:

“Young people need to constantly remember who made them, and the purpose for which they were made. They were not put on this planet for self-gratification, not to gratify the passions of the flesh which are particularly strong in the time of youth. They were placed here to use their powers and energy in accordance with the laws of the creator.” 

We all desperately crave significance and purpose. Perhaps this is why Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”, published in 2002, sold over 30 million copies by 2007. We want to know that our lives matter. Knowing that we have a Creator who intentionally brought us into existence tells us that we do.

Recalibrate: 

1. How does knowing God created you bring purpose into your life?
2. What do you see as a purpose God has specifically called you to?

Respond: Pray for God to help you live today with clear purpose.

Research: Watch The Bible Project’s summary of Ecclesiastes on Youtube.