Ecclesiastes

In our third episode, we discover how “The Search for Significance” (episode 2) leads us to find our “Significance in Christ.” We turn to Mark 8:34-37 to see how Jesus answers the question: "What do we really gain with all our efforts in this world?” (Ecclesiastes 1:3). Jesus’ answer is a great paradox: if you want to gain your life, you must lose it. The only way to a truly significant life is to give up the kind of life you currently have. Come discover with us what this paradox means for our lives.

Episode 2 Description: In our second episode, we begin part 1 of 2 on “The Search for Significance.” We’ll look at Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 and see that the Teacher in Ecclesiastes is asking an age-old question that still matters today: “What do we gain by all our efforts? What does my life add up to? How can I be happy and know that what I do matters?” By exploring the rhythms of history and nature, the Teacher shows us that, while we can make gains in our personal lives and make progress in our society, we are nevertheless left with bigger questions: How can we make progress towards ultimate, lasting happiness? Join us as we explore the Teacher’s answer and consider how even our best efforts might not produce the happy life we desire, and how this is actually a good thing.

In our first episode, we describe what we plan to do with this podcast as well as provide a short introduction to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes invites us to reflect deeply about the nature of life in this world, and it offers no easy answers in response to the many frustrating realities we face in this life. Instead, it points us towards deeper questions such as, “Is it possible, in this life, to find lasting satisfaction, significance, goodness, truth, beauty, love, community, wealth, and power? How should you plan your future? What is the wisest way to go? How should you direct your time, energy, education, and resources? What should you seek with your one life? And how should you confront your limits, losses, and successes?” If you’ve ever wondered why Ecclesiastes is even in the Bible — with its apparently dour outlook and depressive mood — this episode is for you. We’ll argue the Ecclesiastes is a much-needed book both in the Bible and today as it invites us to slow down and consider the most important realities humanity confronts.