22nd February 2024

22nd February 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 5v8-9)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


As I grow older I am increasingly disinterested in the business of our political class. I suspect I’m like most of you in that we really don’t think much will change regardless of who walks the corridors of power. By the end of this year we might see a Trump comeback and the Starmer family replacing the Sunak clan in Downing Street. Regardless, Ballynahinch still won’t get a bypass and nothing will really change.


Solomon wouldn’t be surprised. He said that if you ever see the poor being oppressed or justice trampled into the ground you shouldn’t be amazed at such things (v8). Why are such things allowed to continue? Because the high official is watched by someone higher who in turn is watched by someone higher still (v8b). In other words, Solomon believed that nothing ever changes because those with power watch out for those with power.


This is a gloomy picture of society and although I’m increasingly politically apathetic I want to say that I believe there are many politicians who have the good of the people at heart. Not everyone who stands for office is corrupt and we should thank God for those who work hard to make our communities better. Even so, there are powerful people who are only interested in themselves and self-preservation.


The recent Post Office scandal is a case in point. There seemed to be clear evidence that computer software wasn’t working properly and yet the powerful did their best to avoid culpability. Justice wasn’t done and the lives of many were destroyed. It wasn’t right but it wasn’t a surprise.


We should be thankful for good leaders and responsible authorities. When a king is committed to cultivated fields (v9), everyone gains. The king can benefit from the profits of a good harvest and the people can put food on the table. We should be much in prayer for our leaders even if we would never vote for them. But how should we pray?


Here is what pleases the Lord “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2v1-4)


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q75 What is forbidden in the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbor’s, wealth, or outward estate.
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