| | | | When the dogs are winning - Psalm 37:35-40 Have you ever felt that evil is winning out over good? Looking at the recent events scrolling across our screens, it certainly seems like things are out of control. Riots in Ferguson MO, the Islamic State beheading Christians in Iraq, one scandal after another in Washington, you have to wonder… "Who's in charge?" It seems like those who won't work are taken care of, the rich are getting richer, the powerful are becoming more powerful, and the people in the middle who are trying to follow the rules are just getting squeezed.
As an older man looking out at the landscape of the world, King David had the same feeling, and he was the king! But David had lived long enough to take the long view, and he had learned that while the wicked may prosper for a season, their good fortunes never last.
I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them! Psalm 37:35-36
While it's true that cutting corners, walking over people, and bending rules may bring success for a season, there is always a price to pay. The future is a bright flash, that ends up going dark again. In contrast, those who are honest and good can look to a wonderful future:
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. The Lord rescues the godly; He is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in Him. Psalm 37:37-40
I believe David was on to something when he took the long view. David understood that there is a kingdom that will last forever: The kingdom of God. This kingdom will supersede every empire, every kingdom, and will reach into eternity. And only those that love the Lord will enter into this kingdom. Jesus promised:
"Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. Revelation 22:12-15
So next time it seems like the dogs are winning, just remember that the dogs will not enter into the kingdom of God, BUT YOU WILL.
(My apologies to dog-lovers. The use of "dogs" here is not literal, but is a metaphor for the morally impure. In ancient cities dogs were the scavengers, and they were looked upon with contempt.)
"Lord, help me have the long view on this life, and trust in your reward, which you promised to those who seek you."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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