Scripture
Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
~Psalm 10:1, NRSV
Quote
The silence of God is often a problem for believers but this may be God’s way of teaching us to walk by faith.
~Alton H. McEachern
There are times when God seems to be distant. David was perplexed because the arrogant wicked were persecuting the poor. This pompous and greedy group of elites took advantage of others and had no fear of accountability. Wierbe believes that David is referring not to foreigners but secular Jews living within the nation. These high-minded Jews were practical atheist, they lived as if God did not exist. The haunting question was, “Why doesn’t God do something?” David gives us a list of things these wicked secular Jews were doing:
- They boast about the evil desires of their heart.
- They say in pride, “God will not seek it out.”
- They say to themselves, “There is no God.”
- They scoff at God’s word.
- They think in their heart, “We shall not be moved… we shall not meet adversity.”
- They curse with their mouths…under their tongues are mischief and iniquity.
- They sit in ambush in the villages, watching for the helpless; waiting to murder the innocent.
- They lurk in secret like a lion on the prowl; they seize the poor and drag them off in their net.
- They stoop, they crouch, and the helpless fall by their might.
- They think in their heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.“
It is an age old question, one that Job and Jeremiah wrestled with, “Why does God allow the wicked to prosper?” I don’t know if it is the only answer but one reason God allows evil to continue is to give mankind a chance to repent. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9] The truth is: no one escapes the consequences of sin. Proverbs 29:1 reads, Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. Because God is patient, it seems like the wicked are getting away with murder but in reality, no one will escape the consequences of their sin.
Pol Pot was the ruthless communist dictator who ruled Cambodia in the 70’s. In just four years, he murdered one fourth of the Cambodian population. We are talking about the deaths of over 2 million people, perhaps closer to three. Did this blood thirsty malevolent tyrant get by with such atrocities? No, Pol Pot died mysteriously on the night of April 15, 1998 just hours after he learned that the Khmer Rouge was handing him over to international tribunal. His wife claimed he died of a heart attack, others said he OD’ed on Valium and chloro quine. Other say he was executed by his own people. No one knows for sure because they cremated his body before any one could make a thorough examination. They buried his ashes in a mud hole. But this is not the end of the story, his soul is burning in hell where there is no rest or hope of escape. Now, you tell me if you think he got away with his sin. He did not, nor will anyone else. You can be sure of one thing, your sins will find you out. This is why everyone needs Jesus. He is the only one who can remove the curse of sin from your life.
- Vickie Livingston Tidwell is better. Janet went down yesterday and LORD willing, I am going today.
- Joe David will be back in the pulpit Sunday morning and I am fairly certain he is going to dismiss us Sunday night so that those who want can go hear Junior at the Tabernacle. Seth is leaving for one month in the Ukraine {July 5} and I have been invited to a function in his honor so that is where I will be Sunday night, LORD willing.
- Sunday is the last day for Krispi Kremes. We go back to biscuits and Day Light Donuts on July 2. I like the Krispi Kremes but I think the majority prefer Day Light Donuts. By the way, the folks who run Day Light are Cambodian. I intend to ask them about Pol Pot.
- There was a tragic wreck in Hartselle last night and some fatalities. We came upon it but detoured quickly. We heard that a child was killed but I don’t have any details.
- June, Josie and I attended the Lebanon VBS commencement service last night. We were there to support Chloe, Macy Jane and Aubrey. They did great!