December
15
Why do
the Wicked Prosper?
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee:
yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all
they happy that deal very treacherously? (Jer. 12:1)
In our devotions we have
emphasized the truth of God’s moral order and the fact that God often punishes
by removing His protective presence and allowing the wicked to reap that which
they have sown. We have also emphasized the fact that God keeps His hand of
protection over the righteous. Yet, we cannot deny the fact that we see so much
injustice in this life and the wicked seem to be very successful at their evil.
They seem to get away with it.
As Jeremiah’s complaint
shows us, this is not something new and was even an issue in Biblical times.
However, why is this so? Sadly, Satan has the current governorship of this
world so the moral order does not always work the way that God intended in this
present life. Some righteous people do not always get the rewards of
righteousness in this life nor do the wicked always suffer the consequences of
their sin in this life. However, all will receive the rewards of the righteousness
or wickedness whether it is here on earth or in eternity. God will make sure of
it:
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the
prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their
strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they
plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain;
violence covereth them as a garment….
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase
in riches…. When I thought to know this,
it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou
didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed
with terrors (Psalm 73:3-6, 12, 16-19)
The wicked often do appear
to get away with evil in this life, but a day of reckoning is coming. Therefore
do not fear or envy them (Psalm 37:1-2; Prov. 23:17-18). God’s moral principles
will take effect sooner or later.
http://www.vindicatinggod.org
Well done pastor! 🙋🏾
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