Shadow Lives

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13

We have an unfortunate tendency as humans to believe that we can know the hidden things of God by the things we see with our eyes; we like to pry into providence. This is why there is a common temptation in Christian circles to equate things like wealth, health, and long life with God’s favor.

Solomon gives us a different picture in Ecclesiastes 8 though. He tells us that a sinner may do evil a hundred times and prolong his days (v. 13) Outwardly it may appear that there is blessing in this long life. But we are told that it shall not be well with this wicked man, his days are as a shadow, lacking substance and meaning. But we are told that it will be well with them that fear God.

This morning it may not feel to you or appear to your human reason that you are in God’s favor if you’re struggling with financial problems or health problems or an emotional loss. But praise God that He has freed us from the need to pry into His hidden will. The hidden things belong to God, but the things which are revealed in His Word are given to us. And in His Word we are promised forgiveness in Christ Jesus. All who repent of their sins and look with faith to Jesus as their Savior are forgiven. Their lives are not shadows, however long or short they may be, however comfortable or painful, however abundant or impoverished. Their lives are lived in God’s favor and this is a cause for great joy.