Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
I mentioned my aunt and uncle Jim and Paula Bear meeting me at the Colfax 5K finish line. They have been so instrumental in my recovery through helping me secure the handicap van, the power wheelchair and in following closely my progress. My father was the oldest and Paula is the youngest of ten children in the Guy Summers (my grandfather) family. My aunt has made a commitment to walk with me in the first 5K that I am able to. So I am already looking forward to the Colfax 5K 2015 and having my aunt and several relatives and friends join me. That is really a challenge and an invite to my friends and relatives. (picture above me with Jim and Paula Baer)
Today I drove myself to my massage appointment. It was somewhat challenging in the logistics of maneuvering my four-wheel walker but I made it. I believe the services of Twyla Osler will be a good complement to my therapy and aid my recovery. Debbie and Twyla grew up together in Timberline Church.
This morning I woke up feel pretty rough. Soon after getting up I began to get sweaty for some reason. I didn’t have fever almost the opposite. My pulse was irregular but then settled down. Debbie came back by the house after she left for her patient visits to check me out. I will go see one of the primary care doctors at Kaiser tomorrow. We are in the process of finding a new primary care physician.
Tonight will be my first HOA Board meeting. This will be a new and interesting area of involvement. The Home Owners Association includes a large housing area that includes single family homes as well apartment complexes. We manage over 40 acres of open space and a community pool with a swim team.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.” Jeremiah 12:1-2
These verse caught my attention during my morning Bible time. Jeremiah joins with David and Job and many others I am sure that are named in the Bible and continue through time that question, “why to the wicked prosper?” As righteous people seem to be marginalized and mocked and even persecuted, seems like those who don’t serve the Lord or really care about His priorities are doing very well in life.
The Psalmist offed this observation: “This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.” Psalm 73:12-14
It is understandable to say to God, “Not fair!” “Where is the justice in what we see?” The crucial perspective is what “we” see. This is especially true when struggles come our way. When hardship hits whether in health or in finances and it is easy to ask, “does it pay to serve the Lord?”
The prosperity of wicked is like opposites attracting in relationships. The saying is, “opposite attract but not for long.” From God’s perspective the wicked my prosper but not for long. God in responding to Jeremiah’s complaint challenges him to be tough during the hard times that are coming and then God reassures Jeremiah the wicked will be “uprooted from their land.”
The Psalmist came to this realization about the wicked: “Surely you (God) place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!” Psalms 72:18,19
The Christian life, like running, requires you to look straight ahead. If you look to the side or behind you – your focus on the finish line diminishes and forget what you are running for. Hardship for a Christian may come, but they come to pass. Those who deny God don’t have that assurance. But what we see in the Bible is that God desires all to come to Him for forgiveness and new life. We see that in the Old Testament and we see it in Revelation in the New Testament.
Look at the Psalmists assurance…‘I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 72:24-26
God’s comfort to His people, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
“On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not”. Malachi 3:17-18
It is vital for us to keep the eternal in view and to consistently place our trust in God. He knows the beginning from the end and He will be faithful, even when we are not. Remember for the wicked, this earth is the closest to heaven they will get and for the believers this world is the closest to hell they will get.