For week five, read Ecclesiastes 8:1 – 9:6. Then consider the following questions:
Kings in ancient times often held absolute authority over their subjects. Given this reality, what is the prudent advice the Preacher offers his readers (8:3-4)? The Preacher’s confidence that “it will be well with those who fear God” (8:12) echoes a similar statement in Proverbs 9:10. What does having a healthy fear of God mean to you? The Preacher reminds us we were not meant to know all the ways God is at work in the world (8:17). Where have you had to learn this hard lesson?
THE VOICE OF JESUS — Read John 18:36 and Isaiah 9:6-7 to learn how Jesus is a different kind of King from any earthly ruler. Read 1 John 4:18 to see how love, rather than fear, lies at the heart of our relationship with God. Read John 16:12-14 where Jesus promises us that Holy Spirit will help us learn what we need to know about God at the proper time.