September 23
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ECCLESIASTES 8
Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. 2 I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him. 3 Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6 For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him. 7 For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? 8 No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. 9 All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. – Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
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ECCLESIASTES 8 WHEN YOU OBEY AUTHORITY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When God created humans, he made him stewards of his creation
Men were given authority over the other creatures that he fashioned
But because of disobedience, that authority was displaced and twisted
No longer can man automatically obey, he follows his own nature instead
God is a God of order while Satan is the author of confusion
The Lord designed mankind to follow his commandments.
These laws protect humans so we can live in peace and harmony
Without obedience there’ll be much chaos, conflict and anarchy
It is wise to obey God’s commands so his promises can be fulfilled
If you love the Lord your God, you will also obey those in command
All of God’s appointed leaders were chosen by our Lord who is All-knowing
When we don’t obey those in authority over us, we are defying God himself.
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REFLECTION
• In John 14:15, God commands us to obey him as proof of our love for him and in Romans 13:1, he also says that everyone must submit himself to all governing authority for God himself established such authority. How come some people
twists obedience to authority according to their own perceptions?