Every Day Light

A Thorough God

"God does it so that men will revere him." (v. 14)

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

In these verses we come face to face with the thoroughness of God.

However ragged life may seem in a fallen world, the Creator knows no such Imperfections. Everything He does is not only permanent, but complete: "nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it" (v. 14).

Ever sent for something and found that when it comes a part is missing? God's quality control is 100 percent. Why does God do things with such thoroughness? Solomon tells us: "... so that men will revere him." He does it to cultivate in our hearts a climate of reverence.

"Religion," it has been said, "begins with a sense of awe, the recognition of God's greatness and our limitations." When do we feel awe? Awe fills us when we stand and look at the works of God - a majestic mountain, a glorious sunset, or a tranquil lake. You don't say as you stand before the Niagara Falls: "Isn't that cute?" You simply stand in silent awe.

But what does Solomon mean when he tells us that whatever is has already been, and that "God will call the past to account" (v. 15)? Moffatt translates this statement: "God is ever bringing back what disappears." It means quite simply that God repeats situations in our lives until we learn the lessons they are meant to teach us.

God wants to make a permanent lesson out of something we think is merely passing and temporary. Think of the heartache we would be saved if we could just get hold of this.

O God, when will I learn? I go through the same situations time and time again simply because I have not heeded Your voice. Make me alert to each passing moment, and show me how to draw from it the lessons You want to teach me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Every Day Light