Solomon Thought About Life (Ecclesiastes 1)
Dear families,
The book of Ecclesiastes is part of the Old Testament poetry and wisdom division. Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon toward the end of his life as he reflected on his legacy and leadership. Though he had all the riches and wisdom life had to offer, he relayed in this writing that nothing matters apart from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways.
If everything is worthless, how are we to live meaningful lives as Christ followers? How is Jesus able to redeem our purpose in life?
The overall tone of Ecclesiastes seems pretty dreary. Solomon spoke of the meaninglessness of all our hard work and effort as people in a fallen world. These ideas seem to be in stark contrast to the ideas of God’s beautiful, wonderful creation that we find throughout Scripture. A deeper look reveals that Solomon wasn’t commanding his readers to stop caring about working hard, investing in the next generation, or experiencing what life has to offer. Instead, he poetically explained how lives spent on pursuing only the things of this world have no eternal meaning and will not be remembered.
The pursuits of this life are done in vain when we place them above our pursuit of the Lord and the wisdom He provides. Everything loses its meaning when held up against the cross of Jesus Christ. Only a life built on faith in Jesus will matter in the end.
When we order our lives with Jesus as our main pursuit, we experience the purpose and meaning that Christ died for us to receive; we experience life everlasting here and now. The gospel frees us from chasing after temporary, empty things and transforms our hearts to love and serve God. Christ died so that we may have life and have it in abundance (John 10:10).
Lead the children in your care to see the beauty of a life spent pursuing Christ! When all else seems meaningless, in Him we find our meaning as creations lovingly fashioned by a good Creator. Pray they would turn from their sins and receive the gift of abundant life.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: This world won’t last forever, but Jesus does. Trusting in Jesus is all that matters. Jesus came to save people from sin so we can be with God forever.
Younger Preschool: The things we get in this world don’t last forever. Only trusting in Jesus really matters. Jesus came to save people from sin so we can be with God forever.
Older Preschool: Nothing we get in this world lasts forever. Only trusting in Jesus really matters. Jesus came to rescue sinners so we can have life with God forever.
Kids: People spend their lives trying to get riches, power, and fame, but none of it lasts. Only a life spent trusting in Jesus as Savior and following Him will matter in the end. Jesus lived, died, and rose again so we could find purpose in Him and be with God forever.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What does God know? God knows everything.
Older Preschool: What does God know? God knows everything.
Kids: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: Obey the LORD and do what is right. Proverbs 3:7
Younger Preschool: Fear the LORD and turn from evil. Proverbs 3:7
Older Preschool: Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
Kids: Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
** Next week: The Queen of Sheba Visited Solomon (1 Kings 10)