Monday 16th February

Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 (http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=101812221)

This is called a disillusioned view of life - but is it?

Isn't this passage actually about finding peace in the face of the reality of disappointment in life? I seem to be surrounded by family who are easily disillusioned with the circumstances that we find ourselves in.

But it is an unavoidable truth that peace only comes from trusting God in all circumstances. The tests we have lead us deeper into that trust - it is a positive things to be drawn deeper into that trust of God. So could Solomon be thinking along these lines?

To come to terms with the darkness in our lives and to reach out to God in the depth of it and even to know the peace of God and his certainty deep down - must be the key to drawing close to God in this life and not losing hope.

John 19:1-16 (http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=101812339)

Jesus here seems to demonstrate the sort of acceptance that Solomon deems wise in his last hours before his death.

he is unmoved. He is focused on God as the one who is totally in control and sees thing happening as they need to.

Jesus comments that all understanding that power is somehow within one's own gift or skill to take - is in fact an illusion and that if it's happening - God is allowing it. God is in control - He knows what is happening and if it happens - so it must be.

Thoughts

This is a very hard teaching to remember in the moments when a figure in authority appears to misuse their power so significantly.

I know that in many situations I have pushed against the powers that be and in so doing I have forgotten who is in control. It is of course a lack of faith that determines to use power in a similar way to those that abuse it.

Of course, it is also a lack of faith to stand by and do nothing - not to say what the situation is and seek change. But to resort to an abuse of power to acquire more power - even if it feels like taking power away from the evil - will always leave one under judgement.

The answer then? Jesus demonstrates how to hold faith in the face of a total abuse of power. To quietly and without fear announce the illusions that are operating and to await the glorious affirmation of God.