A Journey through the Bible with Tiglath

Tiglath (Geoff Willetts) sadly cannot write this month due to illness. He hopes

to resume his column next time, and has asked me to apologise to all his

readers. We all wish him well and hope that his energy will return. Get well

soon Geoff - we all enjoy your contributions. Ed.

Geoff is a very dear old gentleman whom Ron and I have been friends with

for many years. He lives in Tavistock, Devon. He has been many things,

teacher, lay preacher and very well travelled. He is, we are sad to say, very poorly in hospital at present, so his friend has contributed this article on his behalf. Ron & Mauvine Squire

In the meantime here are some introductory words on Ecclesiastes taken

from http://www.ivpress.com/bible/eccles/

Like an apple tree in the middle of an orange grove stands the book of

Ecclesiastes among the other books of the Bible. At first glance, it just does

not seem to fit. What place does a book which flaunts the daring assertion

"Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless" have in Scripture

that intends to reveal the saving work of God?

Along with the book of Job, Ecclesiastes reminds us that God is bigger, and

our life in this world more unpredictable, than we might think. The book

invites us to take a realistic tour of life. The sightseeing stops will likely leave

those who enjoy nice tidy answers a bit perplexed, if not downright frustrated.

The teacher's message seems particularly aimed at the secularists - those who

seek to find life's meaning outside of a practical faith in God. With despairing

perception, the author explores a grim reality he calls "life under the sun" i.e.

life outside of God's control and goodness. He addresses some of life's most

sensitive questions: Where can we find satisfaction? Who is really in control?

What does it take to be content? How do we live wisely?

Much of the time God is left out of the discussion. But when he is introduced,

everything changes. "Life under the sun" becomes "life from the hand of

God." Chasing after meaning is transformed into the pursuit of God. This

exploration of life's meaninglessness outside of knowing God thus becomes

an invitation to know him. In its own unique way, Ecclesj- astes is ultimately

an introduction to the One who "came that we might have life abundantly":

Jesus Christ himself. It highlights the dilemma voiced by Peter but faced by

all of us: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life"

(John 6:68).