Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes in Greek means "preacher." It is the teaching and reflections of a man at the end of his life. You might remember the Byrds' song, Turn, Turn, Turn:

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

This was based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The author concludes that "life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless. Without him, nothing else can satisfy . With Him, all of life and His other good gifts are to be gratefully received." (notes from the NIV study Bible.)

What will you reflect on at the end of your life? Today is Maundy Thursday, the day the Christian church recognizes as the anniversary of the last supper Jesus Christ shared with his apostles, a Passover Seder. What was He reflecting on?

I believe I know the answer. He was reflecting on you - and me - and what was to come tomorrow. Good Friday.