Good morning friends! Today brings us to the end of the book of Ecclesiastes. While a short book, I think we can all agree that there were some great moments in here and some....odd ones. What has been your favorite part of it so far? As I've been spending time processing notes for this weeks message the central theme of our series "Again & Again" stays at the forefront of my mind. If lent comes again and again, does that make it meaningless because it will come the next year? No! Lent is the story of how God gave meaning to all of humanity by saving us from what was once inescapable sin. To read Ecclesiastes during lent has been a boon to me and I hope the same for you.
For all information on our lenten series including devotionals and service reminder visit www.chagrinfallsumc.org/lent
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
Did the teachers tone seem to become more or less hopeful towards the end?
What does the old wisdom of David reveal about his character? What left a lasting impact on him? Does that make him more or less relatable?
Instead of my thoughts for today I encourage you watch the Bible Project's overview video on this book. Now that you have finished it this will serve as a nice bow to tie it all together. It will further help you connect the dots from the video two days ago on how all of this is structured. I hope you enjoy!
Prayer
Our prayer today is inspired by hymn 165 in our United Methodist Hymnal - Hallelujah! What a Savior. I hope that you'll take a moment to pray these words either by humming, singing, or reciting the words of the hymn as you make them your own today.
1. Man of Sorrows! what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood;
sealed my pardon with his blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
spotless Lamb of God was he;
full atonement can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
4. Lifted up was he to die;
"It is finished!" was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
5. When he comes, our glorious King, all his ransomed home to bring, then anew this song we'll sing: Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Be blessed and see you tomorrow!