Ecclesiastes 3 contains one of the world's most famous poems on the subject of time. The Preacher reminds us that there is a season for everything under the sun; things both desirable and seemingly undesirable. We are also told that God has placed a desire for eternity in the heart of each person. The desire leads us to search for meaning and purpose; a search that only finds it's true end in the eternal God, whose works endure forever.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Verses 1–8 are a poem often used at funerals and popularized by songs. How do these verses connect with the Preacher’s search in the surrounding chapters?
What does this poem reveal to the Preacher about God?
Explain the phrase, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (3:11). To what theological truth about God revealed in 3:9–15 does this point us? Where else in Scripture do we find this truth?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
What is meant by God’s putting “eternity into man’s heart”?
What is the Preacher’s reaction to this truth, and what does he encourage people to think, do, and feel about God?
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
How can you have a wiser perspective of time in light of this passage?
How does the Preacher’s perspective of time point us to Jesus? In what ways do you see the truths of Ecclesiastes 3 in the life and work of Christ?
How can the Preacher’s perspective on time help us relate to our neighbors?
Some questions adapted from Recovering Eden by Zack Eswine and Knowing The Bible: Ecclesiastes by Justin Holcomb.
