If Only Justice Prevailed (Ecclesiastes 3:16-22)

If Only Justice Prevailed Ashley Herr Sermon Notes Sermon Series: Ecclesiastes - Striving After Wind Sermon Title: If Only Justice Prevailed Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 Preacher: Ashley Herr Small Group Guide What He Saw (3:16) We see a system that: fails to prosecute those who harm others fails to protect those who have been harmed by others “When pain and suffering are conjoined w/ the monstrous mystery of evil, we come to a crossroads from which there is no turning back.” - Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust What He Knows (3:17) He knows WHAT will happen He knows WHO will make it happen He knows HOW it will happen He has no idea WHEN it will happen What He Thought (3:18-20) The conclusion he came to (3:18) The evidence he collected (3:19-20) Being created in the image of God uniquely shapes: who we are, our identity what we do, our vocation how we relate to God and to others Sin has distorted that image destined us to death What He Hopes (3:21,22) Another Perspective (3:22) How will you respond to the brokenness and injustice? Will you take matters into your own hands? Will you give up and retreat? Will you trust God? Trusting that: Jesus will return in glory Jesus will resurrect our dead bodies Jesus will judge both the righteous and the wicked Jesus will restore all that is broken Reflection What is your cry that you need God to hear, to know, to see - trusting that God hears your cries? Read Psalm 9:9-12,18