#16 The Chocolate Bunny (Ecclesiastes 8:1-9)
Notes
Brandon Hill opens Ecclesiastes 8 by asking what true wisdom looks like and how the wise person should relate to imperfect earthly authorities. Solomon calls us to keep the king’s command because of God’s sovereignty, while also urging caution, patience, and righteousness rather than hasty rebellion. Even though governments often cause hurt and we have little control over the future, the wise response is joyful, gentle submission where possible, and trust in the greater King. The sermon points to Jesus as the true wise man who perfectly submitted to earthly powers in order to save us, and invites believers to the Lord’s Supper as they place their trust in him.
"Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him. Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt" (Ecclesiastes 8:1-9).
