Mystery # 1. Wicked people are often honored in the very places they committed their crimes. When bad people appear to get away with there bad deeds, it creates the feeling that justice will always be denied. These feelings lead people to contemplate imitating the wicked. People assume that justice delayed is justice denied. While it may be true at times, there are other reasons justice is delayed.
Sometimes justice is delayed because no one knows who committed the crime. Sometimes justice is delayed because bribes have been paid. Sometimes justice is delayed, because God is patient, not wanting any to perish. It is dangerous to assume that since God hasn't punished a sin yet, he never will judge it.
Solomon encourages us to rethink the situation. Just because it looks like the wicked are getting away with murder, doesn't mean that they have. No, they are only getting a slight reprieve so that they might repent and turn to God. A day is coming when they will face judgment for all their crimes. Solomon explains that it will go better for the God-fearing person, for those who live reverently before the Lord. The wicked will fade away, but the righteous will endure.
Mystery # 2. Why do good things happen to bad people? And why do bad things happen to good people? This too, is incomprehensible. Solomon was not in a position to "see" why these things happen, because Jesus had not yet entered the world. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:24, that at student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. Adam brought sin and suffering into the world, so Christ had to enter the world and suffer. Now his followers must follow him in the path of suffering.
Solomon encourages his listeners to enjoy life. He says there is nothing better than to eat, drink, and be glad. Now the context, helps us to understand that Solomon isn't calling for sinful living. He is calling for a life that is lived in light of God's presence. A life that celebrates the gifts that God has given us, and enjoys what God has blessed us with.
Solomon says that the mysteries cannot be solved, but they shouldn't stop us from enjoying all that God has given us. Fear God and enjoy his many blessings.
Evening: We continued our survey of the the foundational stories of the Bible. Tonight we looked at the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We looked at Genesis 18:1-28:9; Romans 4:18-22, 9:6-13; Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-20; and Galatians 4:21-31.
Principles:
- God's will cannot be stopped.
- Faith doesn't mean that we never have any questions
- Faith considers the facts in light of God's presence and power
- God desires genuine interaction with his people
- Prayer is God's appointed means for His appointed ends
- God never accidentally judges anyone
- A person's righteousness (or wickedness) impacts those around them
- Sin will be punished (Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a warning)
- Looking back can be costly
- Hagar and Sarah foreshadow the 2 covenants (Gal. 4:21-31)
- The Lord is worthy of supreme devotion
- Faith produces obedience (Heb. 11:17-20)
- Avoid Canaanite women--at all costs!
- Marry wisely--it is a decision that will impact the rest of your life
- Providence has guided you to where you are
- God's purpose of election will stand (Rom. 9:6-13)
- Never exchange your inheritance at any price (Heb. 12:16)
- If you name your son, "Deceiver," don't get mad when he lies to you.
- Bless your children
- Playing favorites can destroy a family
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