Solomon Thought about Life
(Ecclesiastes 1)
January 11, 2026
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
The book of Ecclesiastes is part of the Old Testament poetry and wisdom division. Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon toward the end of his life as he reflected on his legacy and leadership. Though he had all the riches and wisdom life had to offer, he relayed in this writing that nothing matters apart from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways.
If everything is worthless, how are we to live meaningful lives as Christ followers? How is Jesus able to redeem our purpose in life?
The overall tone of Ecclesiastes seems pretty dreary. Solomon spoke of the meaninglessness of all our hard work and effort as people in a fallen world. These ideas seem to be in stark contrast to the ideas of God’s beautiful, wonderful creation that we find throughout Scripture. A deeper look reveals that Solomon wasn’t commanding his readers to stop caring about working hard, investing in the next generation, or experiencing what life has to offer. Instead, he poetically explained how lives spent on pursuing only the things of this world have no eternal meaning and will not be remembered.
The pursuits of this life are done in vain when we place them above our pursuit of the Lord and the wisdom He provides. Everything loses its meaning when held up against the cross of Jesus Christ. Only a life built on faith in Jesus will matter in the end.
When we order our lives with Jesus as our main pursuit, we experience the purpose and meaning that Christ died for us to receive; we experience life everlasting here and now. The gospel frees us from chasing after temporary, empty things and transforms our hearts to love and serve God. Christ died so that we may have life and have it in abundance (John 10:10).
Lead the children in your care to see the beauty of a life spent pursuing Christ! When all else seems meaningless, in Him we find our meaning as creations lovingly fashioned by a good Creator. Pray they would turn from their sins and receive the gift of abundant life.
** Next week: The Queen of Sheba Visited Solomon (1 Kings 10)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Ecclesiastes 1 from the Bible.
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Calvin Seibert is a professional artist who specializes in creating beautiful and intricate sandcastles. Using simple tools like plastic buckets, trowels, and his hands, Seibert turns piles of sand into geometric, architectural masterpieces. However, Seibert knows that no matter how detailed and beautiful his sandcastles are, they will eventually be washed away by the tide.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was trying to show us that life without God can feel like we’re just building sandcastles. We might try to find happiness in toys, games, or being popular, but those things don’t last. Only God can give us true joy and purpose.
It’s easy to spend all our time thinking about what new toy we want or how we want to be liked by all our friends. But Ecclesiastes reminds us to focus on what’s important: knowing God, loving others, and doing good things that please Him. When we focus on loving God and helping others, life has meaning! The things we do for God will last forever.
People spend their lives trying to get riches, power, and fame, but none of it lasts. Only a life spent trusting in Jesus as Savior and following Him will matter in the end. Jesus lived, died, and rose again so we could find purpose in Him and be with God forever.
Pray: God, thank You for reminding us that real happiness and purpose come from You. Help us not chase after things that don’t last but focus on what really matters—loving You and loving others. Amen.
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Preschool:
"Fear the LORD and turn from evil."
Proverbs 3:71st-5th:
“Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Have respect for the Lord and avoid evil.”
Proverbs 3:7 -
Mornings
Ask God to help you see things you and others can do for His glory. Ask for His help in chasing after those things today. Why is it important to pay attention to the things God is doing and asking us to do each day? How does seeing those opportunities help us to pursue the things that will last?
Evenings
Praise God for sending Jesus to be the Savior and King who reigns forever and ever. Thank God for providing forgiveness and salvation for us that lasts forever. How does the eternal work of Jesus help us live for things that will last? How does the promise of eternal life remind us that our lives are meant for more than temporary things?
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For Fun
On a big sheet of paper, ask family members to draw pictures or write about things that make them happy for a little while (like toys, games, or snacks). Then, on the other side, draw things that last forever and make God happy (like showing kindness, loving others, and praying). Hang the sheet up in your kitchen or living room to remind your family that what we do for God is what really matters!
To Serve
Work with church leadership to research the history of your church. Discover who the founding leaders and members were who faithfully worshiped God together when your church first began meeting. If these founding leaders and members are still living, write them notes of thanks for their faithfulness to the Lord’s church. Pray together as a family, thanking God for your church and for new churches meeting around the world.