Facing the Fog: Futility (Ecclesiastes 1:1-14)

Facing the Fog: Futility (Ecclesiastes 1:1-14)

From Dordt Chapel by Dordt University

February 18, 2026 · 18 min

About this episode

This episode explores the themes of futility and hope in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the enduring hope found in Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes begins with a startling diagnosis: life “under the sun” can feel like smoke: fleeting, frustrating, and impossible to hold. In this Ash Wednesday message, we explore the way this book punctures our illusions about control, success, and satisfaction. Yet Ecclesiastes also invites us to look beyond the smokiness of life to the truth about our fragility, and we hold fast to the deeper hope that God entered our dust in Jesus Christ, and in Him our lives are not vapor, but held.

Topics covered

  • Ecclesiastes
  • life
  • faith
  • hope
  • Ash Wednesday

Keywords

  • control
  • success
  • satisfaction
  • fragility

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Facing the Fog, Ecclesiastes 1:1-, Ecclesiastes

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