JUN 3

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15
Memorise Ecclesiastes 8:1
“Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne”

And so amidst the apparent injustice and unfairness that we see happening upon the earth, where the just men suffer the fate of the wicked, and the wicked seem to receive blessings, we realise that God is in control. Yes from our perspectives, with our human understanding, it just doesn’t seem right. We feel that meritocracy should be the best way to govern things, and that good should always be rewarded, and evil punished. However we know that in this world, things do not always happen the way we think it should. Instead, often the opposite is true. We see sinful men becoming successful in life through their dishonest and immoral ways. We see righteous, honest men persecuted and abused because of their kindness. Sometimes, these things even happen to us! It seems to go against the grain of what we would normally expect to happen, and that is why Solomon describes this as a vanity.

As we observe how judgment is delayed to the wicked, or power is abused by the kings, we must realise that there is a higher authority whom we serve and worship, and He is the only one in control of all things under the sun. Therefore whilst we are here on earth, again there is nothing better for man to do than to enjoy the fruits of his labour, and all that God has given to him on the earth. Solomon tells us that he thus commends mirth to us, that we simply thank God for all that we have, and enjoy all the things that He has blessed us with. Although this is something that he had previously derided (Ecclesiastes 7:4, that the heart of fools is in the house of mirth), he is not changing his mind about it now, but he tells us to enjoy life only in the light of God’s sovereignty. It is certainly not wrong to be joyful and to enjoy the things of this life, for that is the blessing that God has given to man in the days of his life.

Thus he is telling us that although many things in this life do seem wrong and unfair, we do not spend our time questioning the acts of God, or complaining about our lot in life. We simply be content, and wait upon the Lord and his righteous acts, which he will certainly do one day. Our duty is simply to fear God, and enjoy him forever.

Thought: Life is always fair, for the God who controls it is fair.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be content in this life, and to trust in Your sovereign ways.