Hi friends! Welcome to day 163. Today we begin the book of Ecclesiastes - another wisdom literature. This book, much like Job, begins on what can be appear at face value to be a little depressing. To try to clear up some of the air on that I've shared Bible Project's overview video on this book down in the My thoughts section by the questions. I really, really encourage you to listen to it as I think it will help with your ability to learn from this book and not reject it. What do you like about it? Share your initial reactions in the comments below.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this reveal to me about God?
What does this reveal to me about the things I place value in? Are they like chasing the wind?
Do I consider the Teacher's words to be wise and sobering? Or pessimistic and flawed? Why?
As stated above I highly encourage you to check out Bible Project's thoughts on this.
Prayer
Our prayer today is inspired by hymn 163 in our United Methodist Hymnal - Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know. I invite you to hum, sing, or recite the words as you make them your own.
1. Ask ye what great thing I know,
that delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.
2. Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.
3. Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on his right,
with the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.
4. This is that great thing I know; this delights and stirs me so: faith in him who died to save, him who triumphed o'er the grave: Jesus Christ, the crucified.