Tues.7.21.15...DUST in the Wind...Eccles.5

"all come from dust and to dust return" 3:20

As a man comes so he departs, 

and what does he gain since he toils for the wind" 5:16

If there was a modern day theme song for the book of Ecclesiastes, it might be a 1977 hit by Kansas, entitled, Dust in the Wind. It must strike a nerve with people because this depressing song is still being played on the radio and in stores today. Guitarist, Kerry Livgren wrote it, revealing the utter emptiness and meaninglessness he found in life. Consider the words of this haunting, pre-evangelism song. You can also watch the well done music video of it below. It might be worth sending to an unsaved person to ask his thoughts on it and the meaning of life.

I close my eyes only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind
Now, don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy
Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind (all we are is dust in the wind)
Dust in the wind (everything is dust in the wind), everything is dust in the wind 

The song ends mourning, "Everything is dust in the wind."
Solomon begins and ends his book crying, "Everything is meaningless" Eccles.1:2; 2:11; 3:19; 12:8. Why? You'll soon see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vl3lydJy9s

Kerry Livgren wrote Dust in the Wind after exploring various world views and religions and finding them empty. Two years later, a Christian had several discussions with him and he came to discover the true meaning to life, when he invited the Lord Jesus to be his Savior. 

Man's search for meaning is so empty apart from a saving relationship with his Maker. Apart from Him, DUST plagues man's very existence. (You'll note these four points throughout Ecclesiastes.)
Death- "Like the fool, the wise man too must die! So I hated life" 2:16-17
Uncertainty- "Who knows...?" Solomon asks that question 11 times throughout the book.
Suffering- "I saw all the tears of the oppressed..." 4:1a
Tyranny- "power was on the side of the oppressors" 4:1b 

These things made life so meaningless to Solomon, so momentary, crumbling, slipping away, just dust in the wind.

1.- Songs like Dust in the Wind are still popular because they speak to the inner emptiness people struggle with. So you can see why it's important that we be on the lookout to share the good news with others or give them a Greatest Mini-movies card. Please share of a new opportunity you've had recently to do so. 

2.- Yesterday, I asked you to contact your fire team brothers and find out who they are seeking to recruit to M3. Did you find out and write down their names?
(If not, do so today please.

Build strong, supportive bonds with your fire team brothers. So especially seek to encourage him on the blog when you see he has commented.)

3.- Read through Ecclesiastes 5. You'll see it covers a number of subjects in short order. Pick a verse and share some of your thoughts regarding such. Then be on the lookout to share with others.

Thanks for going from here to the scoreboard. Work out on the things that make us GREAT in God's kingdom. Don't forget to give yourself a point in the A column when you go out of your way to do an Act Of Kindness. That's A-OK :)