Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

Weekly Blurb

Turbulent Times

Saturday 20 September, 2008 · Posted by Raj Gupta

It has been a turbulent couple of weeks. Actually, it has been a turbulent year. In recent weeks, we have experienced political instability in both the State and Federal politics. In the midst of that, we have had Council elections. But perhaps this does not compare to the pain that many are experiencing as a result of the developments in the financial world. While some have taken risks, others have more innocently got caught up in the turmoil.

It is in times of instability like these that it is helpful to look to the God of the universe. When everything is going well, it is hard to look beyond this world – why would you want to? And it is an interesting irony that it often takes personal disasters for people to consider what lies beyond this world. It may be that our current instability is having this kind of impact on you.

The message of Ecclesiastes is that everything in this world is meaningless. It is a message that encompasses almost every sphere of life. Ecclesiastes looks at wisdom (1:12-18), pleasures (2:1-11), work (2:17-26), wealth (5:8-20) and even life (9:1-12). Ultimately, everything will pass away. It is a fitting book for times like this, for everything – even purely on the basis of this world – is meaningless.

May I suggest our current instability illustrates this point powerfully? Even if we are not personally impacted as much as others, may I implore you to take these current events as a warning about trusting in this world.

Ecclesiastes ends up with the exhortation to ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…’ (Ecc 12:1), and then ‘Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man’ (Ecc 12:13).

The New Testament teaches us to use whatever we have at our disposal now to be ready for the future (cf Luke 16:1-15). In particular, it says ‘You cannot serve both God and Money’‘ (Luke 16:13). May I take this opportunity to ask - who is it that you are serving?

Raj

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