Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
Back to Ecclesiastes. Interesting topic for today as we are daily being bombarded with political ads, and as you drive down the street you see hundreds of signs in yard, as well as witty bumper stickers that you can read while you are stuck at an remarkably long traffic light.
Today we read where Solomon starts struggling with the painful circle of politics. He points out in verse 13 Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning. As we look at politicians we all get really excited about the idea of something new. The idea of "Hope" and a "Brighter Future" makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
However what quickly happens after our new found hero politician gets in office we find that the hope and brighter future that they promised is along way from the reality of their time in office. So how do we respond? We simply look for the next upcoming "Savior" to our political nightmare.
Solomon realized this as well, and in verse 16 he states "but those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." As a people, we get behind our candidates, the next generation supports the new candidates, and so on and so on. This has been true from the days of the Kings in the Old Testament and even now as we face the next presidential election. And what does Solomon say about all this? "Meaningless"
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that as Christians we should not have any involvement in politics. I believe we should vote, it is o.k. to do some campaigning for our candidate. But don't allow yourself to get so worked up that it controls your life. It is easy to look at the next two presidential hopefuls and think "well it is all over, the country is going straight down the tubes" But don't fear, there will be another election in a few short years.
Action step for today, let's get behind the one King who has never changed. The one who never wavers back and forth on positions. Whose moral conduct is always perfect, and who has the ultimate plan for hope, and a brighter future. The only King to fit this description of course is Jesus Christ. So today, why don't you spend a little time researching Him, and then go and do some campaigning!
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