- I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. -
A time for every matter and work…. When have we discussed that before…?
You’ve probably already guessed it. That was our big take away from the time for this and time for that section.
It means God orchestrates our existence and invites us to act in concert with His will and desires. We can join in on that process or deny Him and His omnipotence.
We know the dividing line for many of the “times” Solomon mentions are difficult to know, nor is the list he provides exhaustive.
Who then can provide judgement? God. As the progenitor of our lives, only He is fit to claim we are serving our created purpose.
That is great news! As we’ve highlighted in previous verses, man’s judgement is corrupt both under lady justice and the steeple.
The ideals, given to us by God, are far beyond our ability to enact. With God, we then have a perfect judge.
What does that mean?
That justice will be served. Maybe not today. Maybe not next week. The deed is recorded, and God will see it receives its just reward.
Now, how shall we be judged? Does the murderer occupy the same rung as the thief? Is the white lie given eternal damnation along with bold-faced falsehoods?
We know our Bibles well enough to know the answer here. Every sin, big or small, puts us at enmity with God. All are worthy of death.
There is an aspect here we miss though, and I think it’s the key to humility.
You know that word sin? Well, it’s actually an archery term. It means to miss the mark, i.e. to not strike the bullseye.
How do you miss the bullseye? Well, sometimes you are aimed at the wrong target. You should be aiming at God’s glory, but lust, wrath, and laziness are easier to hit.
At times, we can actually aim in the right direction, straight at the target of righteousness. We pull back on our arrow and let it fly, only to be betrayed by our skill, missing the target completely.
Perhaps we even hit the target, but our arrow misses the mark by inches. Close, but no cigar.
What’s the point? Aiming at the wrong target, missing the target, and barely missing the target are all sin.
In order to be saved by your own strength, you would have to come to the archery field, notch your first arrow ever fired in your life, and strike the bullseye and continue doing so on into eternity.
“Hunter, there’s not a man alive who could do that!”
Exactly. When the Bible says your good works are like filthy rags, it means it.
So, what is God punishing? Every time you miss the mark.
What do you do? Let’s just say a rational reaction to this news is to hyperventilate in the corner on your knees begging God for mercy.
That’s how salvation can begin, in light of how exactly God sees you.
But, if you are saved, it is the moment of pure joy and adoration.
This unbearable burden, this impossible task, this unquenchable fire has been removed from your path.
Knowing this doesn’t make you weak; it makes you loved – loved far beyond your wildest dreams.
Walk the path with your loving Father.