The Vanity of Gain and Honor
If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them. Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field. Ecclesiastes 5:8,9
We often see oppression in a land enacted upon those who are poor or have no voice during law- and decision-making times. And the oppressor is often those who are rich and/or in positions of power. This passage from Ecclesiastes 5 clearly let’s us know that God sees all that goes on with men, and He is aware of how all are treated.
If we take a look at the state of many countries in the world today, we can see the stark difference between the oppressed and the oppressors. There are uprisings happening everywhere as many are saying enough is enough! People are fleeing one country in hopes of finding a better way of life in another country. Sometimes it all just seems like chaos. But in our Scripture here, we are able to see what God thinks of all of this. The Bible tells us that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9). What we see now is what has been and will be seen again. What is done now will be done again. So what is our part, what should we do as daughters of God?
(1) Trust in the Word of God – the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field (v.9). Understand that there should not be one group of people hoarding over another group of people or the resources of the land. God has given all of us the right to the profits of the land.
(2) Pray for God’s will to be done and His Word to manifest – God hears the cries of His people and He will answer! Pray that the hand of the oppressor will be pushed back and the heart of the oppressed will be strengthened as they wait on the Lord.
(3) Stand on the side of the oppressed – even if all you can do is pray, stand and pray still. There is always a day of reckoning with the Lord. He will bring balance and alignment. He will not allow the cries of His people to go unanswered.
Don’t ignore the bad treatment of people in a land where chords of power are unbalanced. God has an answer and solution for every circumstance and situation under the heavens. As His own we are to stand on the side of God’s will regardless of the backlash or persecution we might endure.
Reflective Journal Prompts
Take this time to reflect and journal on the Scripture and the post. Record any revelations that the Holy Spirit might reveal to you and how He is asking you to think about the oppressed and the oppressors. Is there anything He is telling you to do differently concerning this topic? Share your thoughts as you feel comfortable to do so.
