Sunday, May 1, 2011

Fate for the Wicked

Fate for the Wicked
May 2, 2011
Job 21:7 "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?"


Though I am still considered young by many standards, my eyes have seen a great deal in life. And of all that I have seen in life, I am only shocked and perplexed by one thing. I do not understand how wicked people can prosper in this world. It happens, though. It is a great injustice, to see an evil person live a physically abundant life. It is a tragic injustice in this world to see upright men struggle to find work, while many fools and liars live in luxury. I can think of one man, in particular, who stole from me a significant amount of money, but he'll never get caught and he lives a life of comfort and ease. There are many days I could use that money to put food on my table or provide a better life for my children. It seems backward in my mind, that such a man could get away with robbery and never suffer the consequences of his deeds. It is perplexing, indeed.

But this perplexing situation is not new. Every generation from the beginning of time has seen this, when the wicked prosper and are not served their fair punishment while on this earth. It is not my place to hold them accountable, though, the Holy Spirit has promised the wicked will get their just desserts and return what is rightful to the righteous. Listen to the awesome words found in Scripture: "[God] does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights. [God] does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever." This is a promise of injustices being made right, though it is only guaranteed to happen in eternity. It is not for today and you will see many injustices continue. But don't worry, the wicked will eventually get the fate they deserve.

Listen to how the beginning of the end will look for those wicked. It is found in Revelation 19:11, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war." The rider on the horse, who is called "Faithful and True", is Jesus. He is called "Faithful and True" because He is coming to right all that went wrong on this earth, to make good on ALL those promises. Jesus will be the means to bring the correct fate to the wicked. But in correcting the scales of injustice regarding the prospering wicked, another great tragedy occurs. A huge tragedy happens when Jesus comes back on His white horse. He will punish the wicked. Though it seems like a good thing, it is horrible.

While I sort of want to see the wicked get what they deserve, I don't really want ANYONE to suffer the fate of what will happen when Jesus returns. You shouldn't want that either. Our hearts should reflect for others what God wants and has given to us, the opportunity for repentance. As Peter says it, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." You had the same chance to repent and hopefully you have seized that opportunity. Now, instead of wanting to see injustices righted, you and I should want to see that the wicked have a chance to repent BEFORE Jesus rides the white horse on His return.

Most days I want to see the wicked man punished for stealing from my family. But if I think long and hard about it, I'd rather see him have the opportunity to repent while he still can.

1. What injustices have you seen?
2. Do you want to see the wicked punished or have the chance to repent?
3. If you hoped for repentance for the wicked man, what would your actions look like towards him?

Don't take my word for it; look it up: Job 11:20, Job 36:6-7, Psalm 1:6, Proverbs 10:6, Proverbs 13:9, 2 Peter 3, Rev 19:11

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