Injustice
Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director
Solomon continues his journey of despair, grieving the injustice of the world and the brevity of life. No amount of time, money, or effort can mitigate death or make right the corruption all around us. Thankfully, because of the cross, we can look to Jesus for life, hope, and redemption.
Study Questions
Solomon continues his journey of despair, grieving the injustice of the world and the brevity of life. No amount of time, money, or effort can mitigate death or make right the corruption all around us. Thankfully, because of the cross, we can look to Jesus for life, hope, and redemption.Application
In order for us to embrace the hope that Jesus offers, we have to see the brokenness of the world—injustice and death are certainties for us all. How do you tend to distract yourself from these dark realities or over-spiritualize them?
In our American culture, we often think we can fix the injustices of the world if we work hard enough or elect the right person to power. Why is this hope empty?
Our ultimate hope is in something transcendent—that Jesus has eternity for us beyond this world. Meanwhile, what does it look like to “live a small life” while we’re here? How can you find joy in your work, your family, and the other good things God has given you, releasing the rest to God?
Key Points
Solomon grieves that when he looks to the place of justice, expecting to see righteousness, he finds injustice and corruption. This is normative in our broken world.
In order for us to embrace the hope that Jesus offers, we have to see the stark reality of the brokenness of the world—injustice and death are certainties for us all.
We should not react in fear or in a vain effort to correct the injustice and chaos of the world. Instead, we must look to God, a source outside ourselves, for hope.
At the fall, man sought to elevate himself to the level of Creator. In order to redeem mankind, Jesus—the Creator—lowered himself to become a creature, fully absorbing God’s judgment on sin.
Because of the gospel, there is justice. However, there is also mercy and grace. Jesus overcame death and created a way out of death if we have faith in him.
Even in this broken world, we can find joy and contentment in living a small life. We can enjoy the good things our Father has given us and seek to serve others in the world around us.