Under the Sun!

When we see the things that are happening around us, it is very distressing. Those who are supposed to protect the people commit cold-blooded murders. Those who are supposed to uphold justice themselves pervert justice and favor the criminals. Those who have to protect the children violate them sexually and murder them. Even animals do not assault their young ones in this manner! It is not the first time such things are happening. They happen all the time! I think such people think that in this world, they have it all figured out and that they have nothing to fear! They believe their money can buy their freedom. They believe their great connections will help them. They believe their political power will save them. That is why they think they can do whatever they want in this life and get away with it. 

When you read Ecclesiastes, you find the phrase 'under the sun' repeated many times. Christian scholar and apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias says the key to understanding the book of Ecclesiastes is to understand the term 'under the sun.' He says that the phrase 'under the sun' means that we lock God out of our life on earth. That is, 'under the sun' means living life without the fear of God! The Psalmist says that the wicked think that, " … God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see." … … They say in their heart, "You will not require an account." (Psalm 10:11,13). They forget that there is a God in heaven who is watching everything. They forget that there is life beyond this earth. They forget that everyone has to face the judgment of God one day! 

Only when we fear God and shun evil, we can avoid the pitfalls brought on by the evil intents of our hearts. The Bible says in 2 Tim 4:1 that the Lord Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead at His second coming.  No one can escape.  The power, position, and privileges enjoyed and abused by some 'under the sun' will not help them at that time of judgment. This knowledge should make us humble and careful in our words and actions. The Bible says," The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates" (Psalm 11:5).

My friend, may abuse of any kind be far from us. Let us ask the Lord to cleanse our hearts and thoughts so that we will have nothing to fear at the final judgment!

---