What Are We Here For?

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”—Ecclesiastes 1:2

What is our purpose in life? Why does life often seem unfair? What can we achieve in life that will bring lasting satisfaction? In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, the author wrestles with these life-shaping questions, showing us how to navigate life in a world turned upside down by sin. If we attend closely to the lessons contained in this book, we will learn to:

• Embrace all of God’s gifts (from food to work to people)
• Live more fully and rightly in relationship with God
• Face all of life’s difficulties, knowing God is in control

In Christ,
Russell L. Meek

BY Dr. Russell L. Meek

Russell Meek teaches Old Testament and Hebrew at Moody Theological Seminary. He writes a regular column on understanding and applying the Old Testament at Fathom Magazine, and his books include Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World and the co-authored Book-by-Book Guide to Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary. Russ, his wife, and their three sons live in northern Idaho.

VOLUME 37 EDITION 9

Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz, Senior Editor: Elena Mafter, Contributing Editor: John Koessler, Writer: Russell L. Meek, Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson, Marketing: JD Hamby, Production: Rhonda AuYeung