The heading of this chapter is “Keep the King’s Command.” I have to step back for a minute and remember that our preacher was the king. He was the highest ranking man. Anything he wanted was given to him. Anything except contentment. Over and over again, he is crying out that life is empty. He is longing for something higher and better than himself. This is the time before the reconciliation though. This is the time before our Savior. All the preacher knows is that without God, life is not a good thing.
“For the word of the King is supreme.” (v. 4) When there is no other appeal, the King is supreme. Of course, he goes on to say that no man has power over the day of death. We see situations where it appears that one person is in total control. There are situations where it seems there is no hope because circumstances are such that there is no escape. The Father allows the wicked to go unpunished for a very long time. The preacher saw this and despaired. Evil men did evil deeds and lived long lives. There is always justice though. This justice may come on earth or it may come after death. The justice is terrifying for those who do not fear the Lord.
Then we come to one of the great questions of Christianity. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. (v 14) How are we to reconcile this? How can a loving god allow such pain and sorrow into the world? There is no easy answer to this. There is really only faith. We have to believe that our Father loves us so much that He sent His son to die and be born again so that you and I can have a relationship with the most Holy God. The evils of this world are allowed for a little while. God will use these things to bring His beloved children into closer relationship with Him.
I recently fought a battle and lost. I had thought that because I was right and God was telling me to engage in the battle that I would win. If I have won, it is not in terms that the world can see. I have grown closer to my Father. I have learned more and more to rely on Him and to trust in His ways. I would like to say this trust extends to the point where I know that He will grant me wealth and privilege. I have a nagging feeling though. A nagging feeling that says, remember the martyrs. I did not rescue them in the way the world would understand. Many, many of them I allowed to come home to me. Coming home was their victory. I remember this and pray two things. The first thing I pray is “Dear Lord, no, I am not strong enough for that.” The second thing I pray is “As you will my loving Father. I know that you will provide the strength when I can go no longer.” I prayed a year ago that my faith would be increased. I find myself now relying on God more than I had ever dreamed possible. How much more will He grow me? How much more will He grow you?
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