“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (Psalm 73:16-17, NIV).
“Biggest Loser” is one of the few shows my wife and me will watch occasionally. (It involves overweight contestants who compete to lose weight while learning discipline and a healthier lifestyle. Whoever loses the least amount of weight at the end of each week is voted off.) Last week’s episode got us a little upset. The “black” team, cocky and careless, went on an eating and drinking binge during their day of luxury off the ranch. The “blue” team went to work exercising and eating right, making the most of their loss to the “black” team. When it came time for the weigh-in, we just knew the “black” team would be in trouble… Well… turns out the “blue” team lost and had to vote off one of their members.
Interestingly enough, the phrase “why do the wicked prosper” came to mind as my wife and me voiced our disgust. This question is being asked by so many of us who’ve been affected and or devastated by the scams and greed of people like Bernard “Bernie” Madoff and certain members of Wall Street. Corporations are going belly up while the C.E.O.’s and other top officers are set for life but their employees are losing their life’s earnings.
Psalm 73 is written by David’s top musician, Asaph. He is getting tripped up by the apparent success of the wicked. They ignore and disrespect God but still “prosper”. Asaph is infuriated until he remembers God’s Sanctuary. Mercy is found there for the repentant sinner but sure destruction for those unwilling to change their ways or yield their hearts to God. The LORD says, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). God will do right by those who have been done wrong.
Evil doers enjoy a fleeting “heaven” of their making for just a moment. The devil feeds them (and us) the lie that this world as we know it is it. Get all you can and can all you get. However, the prosperity of the wicked will become the prison of their demise. Yet what Jesus Christ offers those live right, giving their best, last forever. He gives peace of mind now and real homes and unfailing health when He comes again. Then, no more sickness, pain, death, or foreclosures will be experienced by those who hope in God. In the end, the prosperity of the wicked is no prosperity at all. God’s scales weigh the intents of the heart.
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Read Psalm 73. (Click here to read; it is worth your while.) Thanks to all those who’ve been praying for me and my family. We’re a little fatigued but we are doing well. My son has healed nicely. God bless!
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