READING FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2025: ECCLESAISTES 8, ACTS 10, PSALM 101 ECCLESAISTES 8 Solomon continues dispensing wisdom from an under the sun perspective. As we have noted before, sometimes it is good direction, but it is ultimately despairing. That’s the way it is with most education and even the great philosophers. There is good information to learn and truth to follow, but it only goes so far. It is built on a foundation of sand and cannot support a meaningful life. Only trusting Jesus can do this:
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great” (Matt. 7:24-27).
Much of the material at the beginning of this chapter encourages us to obey the governing authorities. Does that mean they are always right or even good people? Of course not. It does mean our lives and the larger community are better off when authority is followed. This is especially hard for us Americans who began through revolting against a king and love our individualistic lifestyle. We even struggle with the authority of the Bible at times. But this fundamental wisdom Jesus said was designed by God. As He said to Pilate: “Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no authority over Me at all, if it had not been given to you from above” (John 19:11).
Despite this structure ordained by God, Solomon says he has seen bad rulers (vs. 8), as Pilate was. Solomon witnessed the wicked who worshipped in the holy place die and get buried, but apparently their wickedness was forgotten. Solomon moans that because wicked deeds are not quickly prosecuted an environment of wickedness develops. Wicked folks may temporarily reap what good folks deserve and vice versa. Solomon in futility just throws up his hands and focuses on enjoying himself. Yet, we know that in the life beyond the sun, the accounts will be made eternally right: “God, who will repay each person according to his deeds: to those who by per- severance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation” (Rom. 2:5-8).
ACTS 10 Cornelius was a leader of 100 soldiers from Italy that were part of an occupying Roman force stationed in Casarea, a city named for Caesar Augustus the Roman Emperor. That is pretty far removed from traditional Judaism. Cornelius and his family, however, were won- derfully devout and God-fearing. He prayed and gave to those in need. In fact, he was praying at 3:00 p.m., which seems to be a set time of prayer, when God sent him a vision. Here is an example of a man outside the covenant who is faithful to that knowledge given to him and to whom God provided sufficient knowledge for him to have faith and be saved. If God did
READING FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 CONTINUED: ACTS 10, PSALM 101 this with Cornelius, can’t he do it with people today who may not have as much access to God’s special revelation (the Bible) as we do? In fact, this is happening where Muslim govern- ments don’t permit Christians to preach the Gospel. Jesus is the only way (John 14:6), but He is also merciful enough to give everyone from anywhere enough knowledge to come to faith in Him. God is not unfair. His character defines fairness. He’s also creative. Look outside.
After Cornelius received instructions from the angel to fetch Peter, Peter was praying the next day at an apparently set time, noon. (Get the feeling it is a good thing to have regular prayer times?) Peter received the startling vision, almost a nightmare, of eating from a picnic spread of unclean animals. Peter, being an observant Jew, refused. The second time, this vision was accompanied with the comment, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” After the third time, the men from Cornelius arrived where Peter was staying.
The Spirit told Peter to go with these men to meet Cornelius. Peter, along with some believers from Joppa, arrived to find Cornelius and a little gathering waiting for him. Although the law forbade a Jew to enter a Gentile house, Peter, remembering the lesson of his vision, knew times had changed. Peter entered and simply shared the Gospel with the group. As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentile group, and they began speaking in tongues. Peter then realized how much times had really changed and directed that they be baptized.
PSALM 101 Some scholars believe David wrote this as he began his reign as King. Thus, David’s statement is similar to presidents at their inaugurations promising to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is a statement calling for the highest standard of behavior from David, which is no less than God deserves. Does God deserve anything less from us? Singing of God’s justice is lifting up the highest standard of justice that exists. It’s a pity that leaders settle for much less. Committing to integrity guarantees that undue influence is not gained by those without the best interests of the people at heart. Here are documented prices paid by the military to suppliers in 1986: “a $285 screwdriver, a $7,622 coffee maker, a $387 flat washer, a $469 wrench, a $214 flashlight, a $437 tape measure, a $2,228 monkey wrench, a $748 pair of duckbill pliers, a $74,165 aluminum ladder, and a $659 ashtray” (from LA Times).
Keep in mind our national debt at the time of this writing is over 35 trillion dollars, which means 17% of our federal budget goes to maintaining it. David further promises to get rid of slander and pride in his administration. (A tall order today.) His staff will be 100% blameless. (He must have had a small staff.) Each morning his agenda will be to root out evil in the land. Doesn’t this seem laughable? And yet, God deserves that kind of service from us. Let’s do it.
