The Age Old Dilemma

Scripture

“Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger—theirs is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply.”

~Psalm 73:12, TLB

Quote

Every world view depends on perspective.

~Ya’akov

Psalm 73 was edited by Asaph but the material is probably David’s. Both David and Job wrestled with the fact that the wicked seem to prosper more than the just. David said, “I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked; all through life their road is smooth! They grow sleek and fat. They aren’t always in trouble and plagued with problems like everyone else, so their pride sparkles like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty! These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff at God and threaten his people. How proudly they speak! They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut through the earth.” If one does not believe in life after death, it makes little sense to make sacrifices here on earth. If however, this life is a test that is preparing us for the next; it makes sense to prepare for the life to come even if they involves denying indulgences in worldly pleasure.

Whereas it is true that people like George Soros and Michael Bloomberg {Sadducees} continue to amass wealth while most Christians live on very limited incomes, their destruction will come suddenly and without warning. If a man is walking the edge of a high cleft, how long does it take him to fall to his destruction if the rock his stands on suddenly gives way and falls. It does appear that the wicked evade judgment here on earth but we cannot forget what going to happen afterwards. David was perplexed and even envious until he got into worship and realized the fate of the wicked–they have no future. I do not believe that our infinite heavenly father built a staircase that leads to nowhere. He created us for fellowship with Him and He is bringing those who love Him to Himself.

David said the wicked are living a dream here on earth but someday they will wake up and realize it was only a dream. Then they will be ushered into an eternity of terror and darkness. Life here on earth is short, too short. By the time we realize our mistakes and folly, it is too late to do anything about it other than to repent. This is one of the things that produces regrets. It is human nature to want the things we cannot have or at least the things that are forbidden but true believer’s deny themselves the indulgence into the forbidden because they believe God will fulfill their dreams in heaven. For the believer, heaven is the dream life, not earth.

God’s word never ceases to amaze me. I came to my study last night just before retiring and read Psalm 73. I read the Psalms twice a year but so help me, it was as though I had never read it before. It has my name all over it…verse 22 for instance, “I feel so stupid and ignorant, I must seem like an animal to YOU God.” I am comforted by the fact that I am not the only one who feels stupid and ignorant.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the FATHERS. I’m going to have to retract everything I’ve said about FATHER’S DAY and with shame. My children have gone out of their way and beyond their ability in my behalf. I was literally brought to tears and couldn’t find words. You know that I am seldom overwhelmed and lost for words. There are two instances, no three that render me speechless: [1] Extreme conviction [2] An undeserved gift of extreme value and [3] being flogged by a mad woman.

I think I am getting another present today: my kids and grand kids are going to church with us. Of course, Joe David can’t because he is needed at DBC. I am too blessed to be stressed. Certainly, too blessed to complain.

PRAY FOR RAIN!

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