“If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. But this gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.” Ecclesiastes 5:8-9
August 15, 2022
For all those who place their hopes in government to make life meaningful, forget it. The election cycles contribute to meaninglessness in life. Or to put it another way, the failure of government officials ethically increases the futility of life. Politics keeps us face to face with human nature and it’s not pretty. Solomon is describing the oppressive nature of the bureaucratic state. This is not to say that human government is an evil institution. The problem is the kind of human beings who find a home in the enclaves of power, both elected and unelected government officials. They love to spend other people’s money, take bribes, extort the population through higher taxes, worship at the altar of climate change while shamelessly enjoying the good life as a gift of fossil fuels, and spread their secular religion throughout the regulatory state. Solomon does not want to make cynics of us but to keep human government in divine perspective. Yes, kings and career politicians can profit from the labors of the oppressed (5:9). But it is our duty to do all within our power to ensure the integrity of our government, not grow bitter and vengeful and withdraw from Christian citizenry. Politics and bigger government are not the answer to the human problem. Get on board with the fear of God and thrive in the hope Jesus Christ gives. H
A time to think and pray: “O Lord, ruler over all the nations, I long for the coming kingdom of Christ. Thwart the efforts of power seekers who seek to build a kingdom without you.”