We are starting a series looking at the sixteen contrasts of life found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Traditionally, Solomon is called the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes. Indeed, the book starts out by saying these are the words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Some modern scholars doubt that Solomon himself wrote the book. Authorship is probably not core to our understanding. In fact, many of the books of the Bible are attributed to men who likely didn’t actually put pen to paper--or stylus to wax tablet.
The first line of Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time and season for everything under heaven. The 1950’s song by Pete Seeger, Turn,Turn, Turn uses the words from this citation. Seeger calls us to Turn and look at the opposing dynamics. The group the Byrds made it famous in the mid 1960’s when society was undergoing the turmoil of the Vietnam war and de-segregation. It was a period when the accepted ‘norms’ of life in the United States were being challenged. Some thought this was good, others were against change and called it ‘bad’.
We are experiencing another season and time that is unsettling through both the coronavirus and the protests over the death of George Floyd. In fact, we seem to have returned to the unrest of the 1960’s and may wonder if there has been any change in the past 60 years. Some find the times and actions ‘bad’ others find it ‘good’ and necessary.
If God is in this…Does that mean it is good, or bad, to be stuck in our houses? Does that mean it’s good, or bad, that hundreds of people are stepping up to help each other? Does that mean it is good, or bad, that there is a virus causing sickness and death to 100’s of thousands around the world? Does that mean it’s good, or bad, that people are marching in the streets crying for justice and change? Does that mean it is good, or bad, that there are looters using the unrest to destroy property? Does it mean that it’s good, or bad, that the protesters are possibly putting their health in danger by close association? Does it mean that it is good, or bad, that hospitals and medical personnel are stretched to their limits? Does that mean it’s good, or bad, that a sense of ‘we are in this together’ formed from the pandemic? Does it mean that it’s good or bad, that responses to all the turmoil of sickness and injustice seem to fall along political lines?
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. In looking at those questions, I wonder if we could find good AND bad AND God in each of the scenarios.
Perhaps it is good to be staying at home. Many are getting long deferred projects done or spending more time with family. On the other hand, it can be confining and boring (bad) to be at home day in and day out. God sets the lonely in families (Ps. 68:6). We are perhaps called to be the hands and ears of God by reaching out to those who are alone at this time, too.
Perhaps it is good that people are stepping up to help each other. But…is that going to make some people co-dependent on handouts? Matthew 25:35 encourages us to help each other. Jesus says, I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. We are all doing something-what are you doing?
It is undoubtedly sad that the COVID19 virus is sickening and killing, seemingly indiscriminately. Yet, it perhaps highlights how our human actions have encroached on nature and caused the crossover of the virus from animals to humans. In Genesis 1 each creature is admonished to be fruitful, and multiply, while humanity is given stewardship over the creatures. That stewardship implies care, not misuse. Is this a call to action for you?
The marchers and cries for justice and equality in our streets can be frightening and unsettling. The death of George Floyd was horrific and senseless. Those very shouts are important. Over and over God calls for justice and equality. In Jeremiah 22:3 we read, This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. Now is the time, and overdue to respond and make changes.
Confrontations about rights and demands can be distressing, esp. when they deteriorate into violence and looting. Many say we are seeing the pent-up anger of generations in these actions others insist it is groups taking advantage of the crowds to cause chaos. We cannot know the motives of each person, but God does. We are reminded I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve (Jeremiah 17:10). It is not our duty to judge. It is our duty to see each other as a fellow child of God.
We might, rightly, be concerned that these mass gatherings will increase the spread of COVID19. On the other hand, we can see a desire to be heard that transcends health concerns. God is about justice and mercy for all, while remembering God is in charge. Micah 6:8 reminds us that we should act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Who do we need to stand with for justice?
Because of the virus, medical facilities and staff are pushed to the edge. This may bring a surge in people interested in becoming healthcare workers as it has helped boost recruitment in other areas of public service. Jesus himself notes, I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:27) How can you support one of our public servants in the name of Christ?
The realization that we are a global community can be encouraging. How will that be sustained as we attempt to return to ‘life as it was’? God calls us into community as one family. Ephesians 2:19 reminds us, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household. Who are the foreigners and disenfranchised in our midst who need welcomed?
Hearing and seeing political rhetoric used, along partisan lines, even at this time of national need may be disheartening. We can individually respond by bridging the gap, by listening to one another with open hearts. We can individually and corporately work for change. As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says, over and over, it’s about Love. In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:5). If we look at each other as family, not enemies, might it make a difference?
I would like to suggest you find your own answers to the rhetorical question of what is good and what is bad in relation to this season. Look at ways your life has been impacted and look at the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ appearances of those things. Find God in this time!
Next week, we’ll delve into the first of the opposites: A lime to be born, a time to die.
