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If we follow God, sooner or later, we will think this thought…
Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? (Psalm 94:2-3, NIV)
The wicked prospering while the righteous suffer, is front and center today. What the Bible/God considers vile and wicked blows its trumpet across our culture, while those standing for holiness are ridiculed.
But let’s move away from judging our society to considering our personal lives.
Sin distorts reality for us as well. I remember listening to a young man describe a night of shameless abandon to sensuality, and he summarized his behavior by saying, “You know, I don’t feel guilty about it.”
Whatever we indulge in, whether it be licentious, materialistic, or pride, will justify itself without our soul.
So, Psalm 94 gives this warning…
They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.” Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? (vv. 7-9)
With sin harbored, what can we expect?
He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them (v. 23).
The Bible consistently teaches the patience of the Lord towards evil. God is compassionate, and He intends for His judgments to bring repentance, not damnation.
Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble (v. 12-13a).
There is a point in the history of a country or within our personal lives when hardness becomes impenetrable. It becomes impossible for truth and righteousness to prevail.
Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—a throne that brings on misery by its decrees? The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death (vv. 20-21).
But let’s remember there will be justice, and the wicked will not prevail against the righteousness of God. In judgment, God doesn’t need to throw hailstones from heaven because the behavior of wickedness brings a penalty.
We can rest knowing that…
Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death (v. 17).
And…
The Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge (v. 22).
The theme of God against evil remains the same throughout Scripture: People sin. God is patient. Sin seemingly wins. But God is sovereign, working everything toward eternal godliness.
Amen. Peace out!