Conclusion

 On July 24, 2022 I started a series preaching through the book of Ecclesiastes. It is the hardest book, other than Revelation, I ever preached through. Finally, I gave up on it midway through chapter five. It was so depressing. Vanity of vanities. Chasing after the wind. So I chose to walk away from it. 

I don't remember when, but I finished preaching through another book on Sunday some time ago and was praying about which direction to go. I asked prayers from the congregation and one man reminded me, "You never did finish Ecclesiastes." That is the direction I felt prompted to go. 

We plodded through the remaining seven chapters of the book. Slowly, methodically, and expository.  I leaned on God for understanding and revelation. Steadily we plowed through verse after verse. Today, I just finished studying for the last message in that book. Hallelujah. Should the Lord tarry and be willing, I will preach through that this Sunday night. It has been a long awaited goal to get to the conclusion of Solomon's book. A profound pilgrimage. 

There were many weeks I wanted to walk away from Ecclesiastes for good. I'm glad God and Brenda exhorted me to stick it out. It certainly was a challenge. A goal I celebrate quietly alone in this office. There is no fanfare. Nobody else is even in the building. It has been a long time coming. I was surprised to see it has been over two years. Shocked actually. 

I honestly can't say if I enjoy the study more or the delivery of the message more. When I get locked into serious study I lose track of all else around me. I have no sense of time. I get caught up in the world of word searches for meaning, deep meditation, flashes of inspiration, internet research, and good old fashioned Bible study. Hours can pass by without my being aware of it. 

Deep at heart I think I am a book worm. I love books. None more than the Bible. Seated in this sacred space surrounded by volumes of literary works stirs me. Using some of those tools to unlock truth for myself and for others to gain from in the study of His word is soul satisfying. 

Solomon ends his book of Ecclesiastes with the words, "The conclusion of the matter." With that I hope to prayerfully lean on God once again to deliver the final truths in expounding truth. It has been a long journey. I am not sure where we will go from here. I trust that He will reveal the next direction. Until then, I rejoice in the sweet satisfaction God helped me reach the end of that very trying book. We'll see what comes next.