Psalm 92:6-7 - September 18, 2009

Ps 92:6-7 "The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed." NIV

There is a simple message in this short passage: “don’t live with a short sighted view of life!” This passage calls us to reflect on the realities of justice within the context of time. Too many people are short-sighted in their views of life and as a result form flawed conclusions about the value of living a righteous life. When we look around us in this world it is obvious that many evils exist. Evil people doing evil things and seemingly prospering in their ways, seemingly going about unchecked and unchallenged as they commit their acts of wickedness for the increase of their own personal ease and comfort or the benefits of those whom they serve.
When these things are considered from a temporal perspective it is tempting to consider the possible benefits of joining them in their pursuits. Many times it may appear that there is no justice and we are provoked to consider bringing accusation against God who portrays Himself to be just and good. When we see the suffering of those who are all around us we may be moved upon to consider the possibility that there is no God, or that if there is He cannot be all powerful, nor a God of love if these things exist. Jesus in His profound wisdom answered these accusations in part in Luke when He taught His disciples in Luke 6:20-21, 24-25 "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh…” "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” The simple principle of this teaching is that God’s justice is fulfilled in eternity!
The pages of scripture continue this theme in many places and complete the message that the psalmist initiates in Psalm 92:6-7; “it is foolishness to believe that the wicked will succeed in their wickedness and that their deeds will go unpunished. It is a demonstration of a lack of understanding to neglect to consider the eternal punishment that awaits those who forsake God and His standards in this life.” They may succeed in their way for a season but God’s justice is swift and lasting when in due season it is released into any situation. Do not be tempted to accuse God but heed this calling to live with eternity in mind and you will understand both the mercy and justice of God. In His mercy God gives man a gracious period of time to turn from His sins and set his life in order before God, but in equal manor this window of opportunity to repent and turn towards God for forgiveness does come to an end and each man must face the judgment. This is clearly stated in Heb 9:27-28 which says: “… man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Are you waiting for His return?