Why Do the Wicked Prosper? - Jeremiah 12:1

Jeremiah 12:1             You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? (NIV)

            We all have to deal with pain and injury, loss and grief in our lives, which can sometimes greatly impact our faith. As Christians, we are not immune to being hurt, getting wounded, or experiencing pain. However, when we undergo such things, they can cause us to question God and may even seriously affect our trust in Him.

            The prophet Jeremiah was God’s spokesman at a time when his nation was suffering immensely. Some of it was caused by outside antagonistic military forces, but much of the suffering was generated through the cruelty, poverty, and injustice that Jeremiah’s elite leaders inflicted upon the common people. The prophet could not understand why these things were happening and so he questioned God’s lack of response, which allowed Jeremiah’s people to suffer unjustly. He even asked the age-old and largely unanswered questions: Why do wicked people prosper? Why do faithless people have easy lives?

            There are no easy answers to such questions even now, however, as Christians, we still believe in God’s justice, so there will be a time of reckoning for those who think they can do what they want, when they want, and to whomsoever they desire. Evil may gain the upper hand from time to time, but it will not always prevail. When Christ returns, all sinful things will be exposed and brought under God’s final judgment. For the wicked, it will be too late to repent and change their ways; for believers, it will be the moment of truth that we have all been waiting for.

            Wherever you go or whatever you face this week, please know this: God is in control and all things are known to Him. God will set things right and the wicked will be judged.

Questions for reflection

Where and when have I experienced injustice in my life? How did it impact my faith?

Have I ever been unjust to someone else? If so, have I asked Christ to forgive me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, life can be so unfair and unjust at times, but You know this because You suffered an unfair trial and underwent an unjust death. When we are appalled by wicked people in our world, remind us that Your goodness will triumph over all forms of evil on that Final and Holy Day of Your return. In Your Sacred Name, we wait and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about this message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalm drawings, based on a verse from Psalm 106. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 106.

Church devotion: The Talent Business - Matthew 25:14-30

Matthew 25:21        His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”

            Churches are in the talent business. I don’t mean that we’re focused on show business or performance arts (although at Erin we do this very well through our Creative Arts ministries); I’m talking about the biblical meaning of talents, which in this parable of Christ refers to talents of gold. Jesus told this story (Matthew 25:14-30) to convey what’s expected of His followers, as well as what God expects of everyone who is given the gift of life.

            We all have talents and throughout life we are given many opportunities to use or display them. Some people are extroverts and others are introverts, but both types of people have talents that are essential to the witness of the Church in the world. Usually, the extroverts are the team leaders, teachers, and elders in a congregation and their roles are crucial to the forward development of the church. The introverts are frequently the compassionate comforters, praying people, and fellowship feeders whose roles are equally crucial in the pastoral continuity of any congregation. Both have different sets of talents, but when they are combined successfully, churches become effective vehicles of Christ’s message and God’s love.

            As you read this today, ask God to make you aware of the particular talents that He has given you, and then ask Him to give you opportunities to use those talents to help the church, as well as the community that you live in. You are a child of God’s love and grace; use this blessing to help others receive and experience it, too.

Questions for personal reflection

What am I good at? How can I use that skill to benefit others, and bless the work of God?

Prayer:           Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts of faith, hope, and love that You give to all of Your followers. Help us to use those blessings as ways and means of helping our loved ones and other people in their times of need and support. Grant us opportunities to reach out to those who feel let down, disappointed, or forsaken. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please feel free to send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest snowman drawings. It’s called “Winter Cheer.” If you would like to view a larger version, please visit the following link: Snowman.