A Call for Repentance - Day 14: Forgive me Lord for resenting the prosperity of the wicked.
- araratchurch
- Sep 3, 2024
- 3 min read
“Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.”
Psalms 73:1-5, 16-19 NLT
Let’s face it, at one time or another, we all grapple with what seems to be unfair results, consequences, or reward. You may look at people who seem to be arrogant, haughty, and yes, evil, and yet they seem to prosper, while you struggle.
First of all, we have to face the fact that anything we have allowed to move us away from our peace in God through Jesus Christ, has been made an idol, or greater than God. That having been said, the oh-so-human-reaction of resentment for the prosperity of the wicked, is only looking at a “slice” in time. In that one small slice, in that moment of our own struggle, it looks like the wicked have the upper hand.
The fact is, we are living an eternal existence. Additionally, God is a just Judge. Therefore, we know that He will even up all the “scores.”
Malachi tells of a time when the Lord reproved the children of Israel for saying terrible things about Him. When they questioned as to when they spoke terrible things about Him, the Lord responded that they had accused Him of being unjust by allowing evil people to do well while they suffered.
““You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’””
Malachi 3:14-15 NLT
Then the Lord shared a truth, a truth we must all remember, lest we become discouraged.
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.””
Malachi 3:16-18 NLT
The Lord reminded them that when all has been said and done, those who have spoken faith, even in the midst of struggle, even in the midst of things they don’t understand, will be richly rewarded.
Child of God, our goal has to be to keep our eyes on the Lord, doing what He has spoken. We MUST leave what other people—good or evil—receive, or how it seems their lives are going, to the judgment of God.
Let us repent for our accusations, whether manifested in word, thought, or deed, questioning the goodness of God. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to purge our minds and hearts of all resentment regarding what seems to be “unfair.”Let us focus on the abundant grace, mercy, and kindness, we have already received through Jesus Christ. And let us look with hopeful expectation to the One Who will give to everyone according to their works.
““Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.””
Revelation 22:12-13 NLT
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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