Ecclesiastes 1-3
The second book of the Bible that continues in the Wisdom Tradition is Ecclesiastes, which is the Latin translation of a word that means "teacher" in Hebrew. Like Proverbs the sayings of Ecclesiastes are usually attributed to Solomon, but in this text Solomon is never named, just "son of David." The book dates to the post-exilic period, probably written between the 5th and 3rd Century before Christ.
There is no real consensus on the structure of the book, everyone seems to think there is some order and that the sayings are not just random thoughts put down on paper. Some believe the sayings are ordered on numerological themes, while others think concentric circles of thought are used to order the sayings. Take your pick, your theory might work as well.
At the heart of the book is the realities of human life. The author(s) seem to focus on the limits of humanity and the contradictions that exist in life. The famous quote of the book deals with "vanities", which is a way of defining life without God.
Of particular interest, as we begin the study of the Ecclesiastes is the understand that this book is read during Sukkoth, which begins next week, September 18th.
In Ecclesiastes 1, the author quickly lays the foundation of the book, first he names himself "teacher" or Qoheleth in Hebrew. Next the author introduces us to "vanity" which is best described as vapor but also is viewed as meaninglessness or absurdity. The teacher sees life as vain, for those who pursue life without meaning, or without God.
To help demonstrate this point, the Teacher places humanity within a cosmic context in which the sun rises and sets, streams flow to the sea, etc. Their is a cycle in the universe and world, so there is a cycle in life, "get used to it" the teach would say.
Qoheleth, himself, has been challenged to search out the cosmos for great meaning and wisdom, yet such a search is baseless when one considers that humans cannot unmake what God has done. In a paradox, this Wisdom Literature, is very critical of a search for wisdom, for outside of God, is there Wisdom?
The Teacher is also a bit of a scientist, for Ecclesiastes 2 is an experiment of his to try and find meaning. He pursues all sorts of projects, seeking to find "happiness" or just meaning. Yet through all his works, he finds nothing. His pursuits have been in vain, much like Paul's own experience of seeking the traditions of his childhood, which gained him nothing.
Through his efforts, the Teacher realizes that wisdom and meaning can only be found in God as a gift from God. Wisdom and knowledge are God's response to those who please God. I am not sure if this is not a cyclic thing however. As we seek to please God, we come to knowledge and understanding.
If you know nothing about Ecclesiastes, you certainly know the opening of Ecclesiastes 3, a poetic expression of the cosmic cycles in which humanity resides. All these things happen in life, the question seems to be, where are you with God in this cycle? God seeks all to be happy, God seeks justice and will provide. Does one trust in God? Or does not seek happiness as an ends or justice?
2 Thessalonians 2
Paul, or the author, seeks to explain that the Day of Jesus has not come nor is upon them, for the rebellion must occur first. It was widely beleived that calamity would come before the coming of the Lord, just a Jesus predicted. These signs have not occured yet, nor are they on the horizon. Paul speaks of the anti-christ, the Lawless one who will come and present himself and yet be destroyed by JEsus Christ.
Paul follows this with a sharp break which comes back to a more thankful reflection. This break seems to represent the difference between those who will be condemned and those who will be saved.
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