The Pursuit (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)

“When we come to this word in Ecclesiastes we shouldn’t have a one sense-fits-all attitude. In some cases it will have a negative connotation, like meaningless, but in other cases it will mean something more like “absurd,” or “transient,” or “ephemeral.” As we listen, the image of smoke is very helpful. Because smoke is real, but you can’t hold onto it. You can’t control it. You can’t use it to construct anything. There it is and then it’s gone. That’s hevel. And the Teacher says life is like that.”