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The Rest of the Story
The Rest of the Story
“Why does God allow bad people to prosper and get away with sin?”
This statement seems to express a common thought among critical thinking
people today. We may not actually say it out loud (though I’ve been in a few
conversations where it’s been said), but many of us think this is happening on a
regular basis. Just consider the corruption in politics, business, sports &
entertainment. We are upset by the wickedness and corruption we see all around
us. But is the premise true? Is God really letting these “bad” people off the hook?
And is He allowing them to prosper at the expense of others? It’s not a new
question. Asaph, David’s choirmaster, asked that question almost 3000 years
ago in Psalm 73.
Asaph complained in the first few verses (1-9) that the wicked were filled with
pride and violence; they speak against other people – even against God – and
seem to get away with it (sounds a little like DC politics to me). They don’t seem
to have the troubles that plague other men. They have lots of money and good
health. Asaph was so upset over this kind of injustice that he actually began to be
jealous of these men. He reasoned that perhaps it would be better in life to be
corrupt than to be righteous!
Asaph looked at his own spirituality and it seemed pointless, vv. 10-16. He was
righteous, but there was no benefit in his righteousness. Why did he hurt and
experience such hardship while the wicked man had a life of ease? He said,
“When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me”, v. 16. Ever felt
like that?
Why do the wicked prosper? Why do so many bad things happen to good people?
Why is life sometimes unfair? If you have those questions know that you are not
alone. Every spiritual person has these thoughts at one time or another. What is
the answer? Is life ultimately unfair and unjust?
IT IS NOT!
We are grateful that Asaph did not end his psalm at that. He had more to say.
He wrote, “It was too painful for me…until I went into the sanctuary of God; then
I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them
down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation as in a moment!”
It was “their end” that helped Asaph see the truth of the matter. When he
consulted God, he realized that the day-to-day life of the wicked man was NOT
the whole story. This wicked man would have to face the judgment of God.
Destruction and desolation were his end. That is what the wicked must face.
There is a day coming in which all injustice will be dealt with. We shouldn’t envy
the wicked because of their prosperity. We should remain faithful to God.
Acknowledge Him and His way. Trust that He will bring vengeance upon the
wicked and vindicate the righteous. And that is the rest of the story.
- Randy Clark
