DCLM Daily Manna Monday, May 2, 2022
TOPIC: Prosperity of the Wicked
TEXT: Job 21:1-21
KEY VERSE:
“Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.” – (Job 21:7,13)
DCLM Daily Manna Monday, May 2, 2022 MESSAGE
The story is told of a farmer who had a strong hatred for “religious” things. As he planted his fields on Sunday morning, he would shake his fists at the church people who passed by on their way to worship. October came and the farmer had his finest crop ever – the best in the entire country.
He placed an advert in the local paper which belittled the Christians for their faith in God. Near the end of his diatribe, he wrote, “faith in God must not mean much if someone like me can prosper”. The response from Christians in the community was polite. In the next edition of the town paper, a small ad appeared. It simply read, “God doesn’t always settle his accounts in October”.
Job’s reply to Zophar’s assertion in the previous chapter was deep and insightful. His explanation was broader in wisdom than the hasty conclusions of his three friends about the reasons for his predicaments. The wicked are not always judged immediately. Some of them live long and are accomplished. Their children are established, and they see their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They prosper in business. This success is then attributed to their efforts while ignoring God; till they are cut off and plunged into eternity in regret and sorrow.
The wicked should not allow their prosperity to get into their heads. Quite frankly, material prosperity is not a good measure of our success in life. We should always view our actions in the light of eternity. And prepare to meet our God whenever He calls.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Do not take God for granted.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 12-13
