“12. Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God. 13. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow. 14. There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. 15. So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. 16. When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth-- his eyes not seeing sleep day or night--then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.”
The final thing the writer reminded us of is that there is divine authority. Solomon realized that God ordained proper human authority, which makes that indirectly divine authority. All humans will fall short of the ideal..
All of us, as parents, at times fall short of the authority granted to us by God? We do not always make wise decisions for the benefit of our family or children. This is a reminder; we are not only under God’s authority and need to evaluate our position and responsibility with humility and confession.
Yes, it is true there are people who can temporarily get away with crime and sin and do things wrong, but never forget, God has the last word. You cannot fool God. He is just.
Those who have been declared righteous, regardless what has happened in their lives, will be rewarded by God, our great and holy judge. Wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord.
In verse 15 Solomon says, since there are many things, we are blind to and since God is ultimately in charge, live a life of faith and truth and trust in God. When we seek to live for Christ, joy and blessings will come. The provisions we know comes as a gift from above.
Isn't it a curious thing that Jesus, who has all authority, humbled Himself into the position of a servant? Isn't it a bit odd that the Lord of the universe took on the form of a man and became servant of all? Why is it that Jesus would say, "He who would be first shall be last, and the last shall be first." Why did Jesus teach his disciples on leadership say in Mark 10:43 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Because Jesus understood the plan and the future, He was able to be under authority and carry out our salvation. He who is the best authority is one who has learned to be under authority. The kind of leader we are instructed to be is a leader who is concerned for those for whom he is responsible, their tasks, their Lord, and in humility draw upon the wisdom from the divine authority. The best leaders are those who model Jesus Christ. The best leader is Jesus Christ.
Application: Our Lord gives us this world to enjoy. It is best enjoyed when we put Him as the final authority in our lives, in our work, in our church, and in our country. All we receive our gifts from above. Be glad and full of joy in this life. As we conclude ask yourself, “Is he Lord over your life?”
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your daily provisions. Thank You for my family, friends, air, spring, clothes, and cars. Thank You for giving yourself to me and that You are the Divine Authority that operates out of Glory to You and love for me.
