Scripture - Job 211 7-9 Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power? Their descendants are established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them.
Observation - Job is in the middle of a major crisis in his life and is asking a question that I think every Christian has asked. "If God is supposed to be so good, how come the wicked people are being blessed and I seem to be struggling so much?" Job is perplexed at the idea that the wicked around him are blessed with a multiplying harvest, calves from cows and fields that overflow. He is also looking a their lives and is confused that the wicked seem to be getting old and becoming mighty in power. The question is a good one. Why does it seem so hard for God's children and so easy for the wicked?
Application - The answer to the question can be found in other parts of scripture. The fundamental answer lies in what we are looking at as life. The wicked do not inherit eternity. The wicked do not gain full access to heaven. The wicked die, maybe even of old age, but their life stops there. There is no legacy. What is also dismissed is the fact that internally, the wicked are fighting a struggle emotionally and spiritually. The internal struggle is fierce. There is no peace and no hope of a life to come. Romans 2:4 also exhorts us that by viewing the progress of the wicked it is like despising the riches of God's mercy. Our hope is in Him, our rest is in Him. Jesus is better, period. One day in his courts is better than thousands of days anywhere.
Prayer - Father help me to look at you as the measuring stick of success. Not to look to the wicked that are successful as a measure for your grace or lack of grace. God I love you and pray that no matter what happens around me, I celebrate the riches of your glory and the riches of your mercy.
