Prosperity of the Wicked

Psalm 73 is one of many Psalms in which the apparent prosperity of the "wicked" is addressed. In verse 3 the author even confesses that he was envious of the wicked who are boastful and prosperous. It is not the prosperity that makes one wicked. It is the lack of character.

Verse 6 speaks of their pride and violence. Their arrogance causes them to speak wickedly and even set their mouth against heaven and earth in verses 8 & 9. Most highly successful people are cold hearted and focused only on their own goals. Jeremiah saw this when he said to God, "You are in their mouth, but far from their mind" [literally, secret place of the heart - their soul] (Jer. 12:2).

This was a mystery to Asaph, author of Psalm 73, until he entered the sanctuary of God, His intimate presence. Then it was like the blinders fell off and he saw that instead of being at peace and ease the wicked are on a slippery slope to destruction and filled with terrors (vv. 18-19). By contrast he says in verse 26, "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." He grieved over the wicked and his own ignorance, but quickly turned to the joy and peace of worshipping God.

When the Church is THE Church

I always turn to the end of the 2nd chapter of Acts to get a picture of what the Biblical Church ought to be doing. As Peter testified and encouraged people to be saved from the perverse generation in which they lived, thousands believed in Christ, were baptized and were added to the body of believers (verses 40-41).

The Holy Spirit was given for us to be empowered to be witnesses of Him [testify] (Acts 1:8). If we used this power correctly, thousands would turn to Him as "both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). This resulted in "signs and wonders" through the gifts of the Spirit (v. 43), but the purpose of the spirit was empowerment to be a witness. It was not to bring people to church, but to bring them to Jesus. Then the Church went to work.

As the Church gathered, they learned the Apostles teaching [discipleship], had fellowship [true sharing/"bonding"], ate together, prayed, met each others financial needs, and praised God [worship] (verses 42-47). I find the hardest part being in the financial area. It is hard to give away something that is so hard to get and so necessary for ourselves and family - especially in difficult economic times. I heard about it happening at Church of LIFE this last Sunday, as people gave after the offering to meet the needs of a young family.

It was "the Church of LIFE being THE Church."

Whom do you SEEK and SEE?

This week I've had conversations, thoughts, dreams and confirming Scripture about a real concern of mine. The concern is about the fact that very few Christians look beyond people (family, friends, pastors, Christian teachers, etc.) for help with their problems. In a dream I was directed to Psalm 9 and focused on verses 9&10: The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed. A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for you, Lord, have not forsaken those WHO SEEK YOU.

Then I saw it again in a study of Deuteronomy (31:6) in which Moses addresses Israel, God's people: "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. he will not leave you nor forsake you." Moses did not say he, Joshua, or anyone else would be with them. In fact, people will disappoint, leave and otherwise forsake you, but not the Lord God. In verse 3 he had said that the Lord would also go before them, then Joshua. People are very important and God's instruments and ministers to point us to Him, but we must not put them in God's place.

Let's be sure we are looking beyond people, even Godly people, to seek and see God Himself!!