Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Do Not Be Surprised

Ecclesiastes 5:5-8 - It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.

Jonah 2:9 - But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

Ecclesiastes 4:1-2 - Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive.

Application:

· Do I make good on my vows?
· Am I surprised by the oppression, injustice and denial of rights in our society?
· Do I see life as meaningless, cruel and bitter?
· Do I see suffering as separation from Christ or as pointing me toward Christ?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

No comments:

Post a Comment