Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?


Jeremiah 12:1-3




12 You are always righteous, Lord,
when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2 You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.
3 Yet you know me, Lord;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter!



Today’s title is “May I ask you Lord?”





Our God is a personal God. He doesn't impose His own will forcefully upon us. He invites us to personally interact with Him. He talks to us. He reasons with us. We ask Him. He answers us. Prophet Jeremiah went through so much pain and suffering from the disobedience of Israelites. Jeremiah could fully understand why God was so angry at Israelites. They deserted the true and living God for lifeless idols. They broke the covenant. God was betrayed. He was insulted and humiliated by the people whom He had loved so much. He was hurt greatly. Israelites had no excuse. But then Jeremiah still had some questions. What about those who gives God only lip service? What about the people who don't even recognize God or bring honor and glory to God? What about the gentiles who worship even worse idols than Israelites? So Jeremiah brings those questions to God.


"Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live more comfortably?


Jeremiah's question is polite. But it is boldly challenging God if He is fair or consistent. What do you think? Don't you sometimes feel like asking this sort of question to God? As a matter of fact, a lot of serious believers asked these questions to God. God doesn't rebuke them for the questions. God answers to these questions. But He doesn't rush to answer these questions. He rather has the questioners to ponder and mull over the questions for some time. He waits for them to find out the answers for themselves. This is what happened to the writer of Psalm 73. The Psalmist says, "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply, till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. How about you? Do you have some questions for God? Bring them on. God doesn't mind. in fact, He welcomes them. He will show you the answers clearly. You only need to wait upon Him patiently and trustingly.


Amen!