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Why Do Evil Men Prosper?
You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?” — Malachi 2:17
Malachi is basically telling the people that God is a little tired of them. And yet again, they don't get it. But God has a legal rebuttal. He presents two exhibits — first, their complaint, and second, their conclusion.
So let's recall this moment in the history of God's people. While they were free to return home from exile to Jerusalem, they were still subject to foreign leaders. And the top of their concern at present is their economic despair because their city and Temple are in ruins. This is a contrast to the prospering countries around them. Therefore they see their situation as unjust. They watch as unrighteous nations are being blessed, and they, the righteous, are not. As a result, they draw at least three conclusions about God. First, God rejoices in evil. Second, God lacks discernment. Third, God is not just. Three wrong conclusions about God.
But let's agree when we are in a state of despair, we are prone to draw some wrong conclusions. I am sure you have done this. So have I. That is because when we are in a state of despair, we want answers. And in seeking answers, we ask questions. But sometimes, these questions get answered by our present feelings or our finite perspective. Therefore, we make assumptions. And that's what God's people have done here. They have made the assumption that they are righteous and others are unrighteous. But that is not the case. All people are unrighteous. Yet God allowed offerings to be made for the unrighteousness of his people. But they brought unacceptable offerings, and God refused them. In addition, they have other issues already listed in chapter two. They worshipped foreign gods and committed adultery with foreign women. So while God's people perceive themselves as righteous, they are just as unrighteous as any other unrighteous person. But because they assume they are righteous, they feel economic blessings are due them. And then, to top it off, they accuse God of lacking judgment. But the ones who lack judgment are them.
I have found when I am in a state of despair, the best thing I can do is fix my mind on the truth about God. Who God has been and always will be. Then next, I reject the assumptions my mind considers arising from my feelings and perspective. And last, I preach the truth about God to my soul. So today, if you are a believer who is in despair, don't make any assumptions. God is just and faithful. Only we are unjust and unfaithful. Bring an acceptable sacrifice to him. And then trust him with the outcome.
ASK THIS: Have you made any wrong assumptions about God?
DO THIS: Preach the truth about God to yourself.
PRAY THIS: God, you are the same as you have always been since the beginning of time. In you, I place my faith. Forgive my wrong assumptions.
PLAY THIS: In Control.
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This speaks to me as well this morning. Sometimes I may overlook the fact that though I am in a FAR better place than 10 yrs ago, I am still just a wretched sinner saved by grace and the only good thing about me is He in me. I often know the “truth” so to speak of my situations but my flesh and feelings and emotions cloud my view and I struggle to put them aside and focus on God’s truth. Who He is. And live by FAITH which Hebrews 11:1 tells us is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
Create in me a clean heart.
If thou be willing remove this cup from me. Never the less, thy will, not mine, be done.
For we know the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen but the things which are unseen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are unseen are eternal.
Amen
Sometimes the best way for me to pray is using the word and not my feelings and emotions. (If you did not recognize that whole prayer is scripture)
Keep fighting, all. And keep visiting this devo. Lift each other up. Together we stand. Thank you for your prayers and responses to me and the other men here. Bless you all.
Hey Trent, brother, may I encourage you this morning? I don’t know your story and I don’t know where you are in your spiritual journey but I would like to help you change the way you describe yourself. I sin, but I am not a sinner. Because you have accepted Christ, you are no longer defined by what you do but by who God says you are. Though you sin, you are CHOSEN. You have been given the right to be called a child of God. You are his son. You are a friend and brother of Christ. Let the power of his grace and love for you remove the shame brought on by sin and be able to speak and stand in this truth. You were a wretched sinner. Now, though you sin, you are a child of God. I hope today this brings peace to your soul.
Discussing our Lord always brings me peace one way or another. Thanks for the reply.
Trent, all of us have sinned and fallen short, and we’ll continue to sin – but God is faithful, and loving, and through His son Jesus – that debt is paid. I too was that wretched sinner, my past is littered with bad choices, egregious sin, shame, guilt and a host of other emotions. But today I’m a new man, a new creation and God took all of that from me and he’s done that for you too brother. I know the struggle, the pain, the emotion, having trouble getting to the words. I also know the joy, the peace and the deliverance from the past, a wise pastor told me that if God has dealt with it and redeemed me then who was I to keep holding on to it. I encourage you today brother, yes the fight is real, and the battle is there – but with God all things are possible. And with brothers here who seek to be more like Christ, and with Vince’s messages and prompting us to do better, be stronger… we’re all in a better place. You’re in my prayers brother – reach out if you’d like to talk.
Thanks for the prayers and reply. I have tuff days and I am my own worst enemy. An analytical mind can be a blessing and a curse. I have a pretty strong and growing relationship with Jesus. I have an awesome church home. I have a mens study that keeps me challenged and connected. I am good. I just complain too much haha. Thanks again. The comments and connection give this devo a whole nother level of awesome. Keep fighting.
Much like you I can be my own worst enemy as well! Very glad to know the connections and growth with Jesus. Indeed these daily devos keep us focused, grounded, challenging each other and growing together as men.
WOW Vince your messages today hit me right between the eyes. Thank you for your perspective today on never blaming God for not being fair and looking at the mirror at ourselves. Your morning messages have meant so much to me in my daily walk with Jesus. God bless you for the work you are doing to affect men’s lives.