ECCLESIASTES 4
- To start chapter 4, the teacher begins with a passage about oppression and oppressors. The oppressed have no comfort, and the oppressor has all of the power. The teacher saw this imbalance of power. Do you see the oppression going on in the world today? In big and small ways, people find themselves in a position under the weight of the powerful without recourse. Whether it is persecution, racism, trafficking, or abuse, people around the globe find themselves in helpless positions without hope of rescue. Jesus spoke directly to the oppressed. He offered a way out to those without hope.
- When ministering to the oppressed in the world today, how can we turn them towards Jesus while still caring for their earthly needs?
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
- Verses 8-12 are familiar passages that discuss lives lived in community and alone. The man who toils alone ultimately comes to the realization that he his working hard for no one. Two people working together can accomplish so much more, and three together can become an unbreakable cord. Loneliness has become an epidemic in today’s society. Even though we are connected virtually, we are more and more disconnected from each other. A recent poll found that one in three said they feel lonely every week. The benefits of community and deep relationships are well-known. We are created to be social creatures, not isolated hermits.
- Am I connected to others regularly?
- How can I seek those who are lonely and disconnected and include them in my life?
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
- The final verses of chapter 4 show us the cycle of disillusionment with the success of kings. The new king comes to power, and people are initially excited, but quickly become disgruntled with him. This should not surprise us much. Faith in earthly powers is a recipe for disaster. We should not expect to be fulfilled in earthly power or leaders. This should point us to the only source of real and constant hope, Jesus, our King. Instead of looking to a political power to provide hope for the future, we should rest our hope in the eternal.
- Where do I find my hope for the future, earthly or heavenly powers?
- Am I pointing people to Jesus to to earthly solutions for eternal questions?
“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2
Life Application: We are to be a people who live and work in harmony, striving to free the oppressed and point others to Christ. Ask the Lord to show you those around you who are struggling and oppressed. Look for the eternal source of hope.
For Prayer: Pray for the Mangal family. Jessica, Reggie, and their children need our prayers every day.