ECCLESIASTES 7:15-29
- As we continue chapter 7 of Ecclesiastes, we run into some challenging ideas. In verse 15, the teacher says he has seen the righteous life cut short and the unrighteous live long, prosperous lives. It may not seem right, but we see it all the time. There is a reason that the phrase “only the good die young” has become part of our vernacular. There is a common misconception in some Christian circles that righteousness guarantees a long life. There are some theologies that would lead us to believe that God will bless us with prosperity if only we are faithful. This is directly contradictory to the scripture. Jesus, Paul, James and many others guarantee that we will face adversity and trials if we follow the gospel. Our reward is not on earth, but sealed for us for all eternity by the Holy Spirit.
- How can we face adversity in this life as a believer? How can we keep from becoming jealous and jaded in an unfair world?
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials” – James 1:2
- Verse 20 should give us pause when we think about ourselves. We can look at the world and think, “well I am not as bad as them!” But a comparative holiness only works when compared to the holiness of God, not others. When we look at ourselves in the light of the perfect son of God, we cannot see ourselves as good or righteous, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. No one is good, except Jesus. No one is righteous, except the perfect lamb of God.
- Do I compare myself to others in my right living? How do we gain righteousness through Christ?
“The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction.” – Romans 3:22
- The chapter concludes with a stunning conclusion from the teacher. He knows that God made people upright, but they walked away from God’s plan. Many people cling to the idea that people are inherently good and will do good things if left to their own devices. Although God created man and declared it very good, the story since has been far from God’s original plan. God is good, and his creations are good, but we diverge quickly from this plan, as soon as we think God is out of earshot. When faced with the choice of personal gain and God’s holy plan, many, if not most, will choose their own plans over God’s.
- How do I know God’s plan for my life? What would it mean to fully follow the will of God?
“Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21
Life Application: We live in a fallen and broken world. People seem to make damaging decisions that better their own lives at the expense of others. Seek to be a people that choose the narrow, godly way each day, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the application of God’s Word.
For Prayer: Pray for Judah and Mission Myanmar as they continue to preach the gospel in a time of recovery from the earthquake in their country.