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THE DEATH OF THE WICKED
TUESDAY, MAY 31
Job 27:19-23

Psalm 23

 

“the… ungodly shall not

stand in the judgment…”

 

THE DEATH OF THE WICKED
 
The worst horror presented in the Scriptures is the death of those who reject God’s salvation. The wicked may work to gather wealth and feel they control their own destiny. They may become powerful, famous and may live in great comfort, but even if just retribution does not come on this earth, it will certainly come in eternity. The wicked rich prepare only for a life of comfort but, in His time, God will require their souls. The wicked man will lie down one night in all the comforts wealth brings but will wake in eternity to face his terrible destiny (Job 27:19-21; Ps 37:1-2). The answer to the question why some evil men begin their suffering on this earth while others do not suffer their punishment until eternity is hidden in the mind of God. God has not chosen to reveal His purpose in this but we know that He is just and all His dealings with mankind are fair and right.
 
Wicked men in death are stripped of the wealth and power they have spent all their lives to gain. They have lived in rebellion against God, knowing that He will judge those who live in this way (Rom 1:32). Rich and poor outside of Christ all face death and final judgment from which there is no escape (Heb 9:27). Living in self-righteousness while condemning others will not fool God or enable such men to escape His judgment (Rom 2:3). Man’s only hope of salvation lies in Jesus Christ. Those who know Him can face life’s end with great boldness. Job was confused and, at times, bitter but he maintained an integrity with regard to righteousness and God’s mercy (Ps 71:5).
 
At this juncture, we must ask ourselves where we place our trust. If we trust in wealth, it brings no redemption. If we trust in ourselves, we will fail in the final day of judgment. However, if we trust in God, we have eternal redemption in Jesus Christ (Ps 49:6-7, 13-15; Rom 4:5).
 
THOUGHT: In what way did Job show his integrity?
PRAYER: Father, I know that sin’s penalty is death, but Thy gift is eternal life. I thank Thee, Father, for saving me through Thy Son Jesus Christ.

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