JUN 2

Ecclesiastes 8:11-13
Memorise Ecclesiastes 8:11
“It shall be well with them that fear God”

Secondly, he observed that the reason why these rulers act in such a manner, is because it seems that they are not judged immediately for their sins, and thus they continue to do evil. Not only that, but their heart is fully set in them to commit such evil. Even though a sinner sins a hundred times, his days seem to be prolonged, and it seems justice is never served. This same problem continues to afflict man, for they just wantonly continue in their sin, without any fear at all. Is this how we are as well?

But Solomon assures us that it definitely shall not be well with the wicked, and that his judgment is sure, because he did not fear God in his life, and therefore his end will not be good. But on the other hand, those who fear God, it is promised that their end shall be good. Although it is not directly mentioned here, we know that the difference between ‘it shall be well’ and ‘it shall not be well’ is the difference between heaven and hell.

Therefore though the wicked prosper on earth, and though we are to be subject to their evil rule whilst we are here on earth, we take comfort in the fact that their end is sure, and if they continue on in their wicked ways, God will surely judge one day, and vindicate his own chosen people. Their lives might seem to be prosperous and successful in the eyes of men, but in the eyes of God, it is but a vain shadow – a pitiful existence in the absence of light, a life that is not real but just one that is groping in the fleeting darkness of sin.

For now, we are but to wisely submit to the rule of human governments and authorities, and understand that time and judgment are all in God’s hands. Yes the world may sometimes seem as a very unfair place, and the human tendency is always to fight for our rights and expect equal treatment, we know that that is really not what the Christian ought to fight for. Our goal in this life is not to succeed in life, as what the world desires; neither is it to make our life on earth so comfortable that we dread death. We must always remember that above all, our duty is to fear God and to keep His commandments, and then everything else in life will fall into place. Whilst God may not judge every sin immediately, be warned, that our sin will surely find us out!

Thought: Does the lack of immediate judgment cause me to sin more?
Prayer: Lord, help me always remember Your holiness and justice, that I may not sin against Thee.