MYSTERIES
ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016
Text:
Ecclesiastes 10:4 – 11
Memory
verse: Ecclesiastes 10:7 - I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk
on the ground like servants.
Solomon cautions that we shouldn’t to seek
redress neither in a hasty manner nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in
a passion, quit your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will find that yielding
pacifies great offences (10:4). He also posited that men are not preferred
according to their merit (10:5–7). These verses show that life is full of
mysteries. The error (10:5) consists in exalting the mean and unworthy into
offices. Do we have such in our present day political, religious and
traditional offices?
Family Bible Notes noted that “The elevation
of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the
people. Whether it proceeds from their rulers, or, as in the case of free
governments, from themselves, the result will be corruption, misrule, and
misery.” This opinion of Family Bible Notes is the bane of most countries in Africa
where majority of those holding political offices could be termed square pegs in
round holes. For this reason, they stay in offices for a stipulated time without
anything meaningful to show for their tenure.
Naturally, riding on horses belongs to the
princes and not servants. When it is the opposite, it becomes a mystery. We
have seen these things happen. One easily recalls the case of Mordecai and
Haman. Mordecai was a war captive and mere gateman while Haman was a very high
profiled personal assistant or adviser to the king. In fact, he was the highest
officer in the kingdom after the king. It was God who humbled Haman to guide Mordecai
on the king’s horse
round the city. Who would have believed that Haman would ever guide Mordecai on
top of a horse? The lesson for us here is that no condition is permanent in
life. Life is full of mysteries and challenges. Therefore, do not boast about
your present position. We should note that wisdom is profitable in all things.
The dangers and difficulties of life are many; but with wisdom we shall
overcome.
Foods
for Thought: The
elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to
the people.
Prayer: God, may I not boast or abuse the opportunity I have today.
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