Prosper?

Can you find what is within rather than what is without?

Gentle Reader,

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .

The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself.

THE WICKED PROSPER

"Why do the wicked live on, yes, prosper and grow wealthy?" [Job (Iyob) 21. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This often asked question has puzzled the thoughts of men in every age. Persecuted Job had prospered both materially and spiritually, yet he lost all his worldly possessions, as well as family and friends. The ungodly scorners of the region where he had lived were now humiliating and mocking him, yet they continued to prosper. But why is this?

The same troublesome question occurs gain and again in the HOLY BIBLE. Asaph, a psalmist, confessed: "I envied the wanton and boastful; I saw the wicked prosper and were at ease. Death has no pangs for them; their body is healthy and strong, they have no part in the travail of men; they are not afflicted like the rest of mankind." [Psalms (Tehillym) 73. 3 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Jeremiah, the weeping prophet also complained: "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are the workers of treachery at ease?" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Asaph and Jeremiah were both perplexed at the prosperity and comfort of the wicked until they entered GOD'S Sanctuary and reflected on their fate. [Psalms/Tehillym 73. 17]

And today, there are very few genuine believers who have great wealth or are powerful that are walking humble and righteous before the LORD GOD. There is serious spiritual danger inherent in riches and power, unless these privileges are dedicated deliberately and sincerely to the work of the ALMIGHTY CREATOR. Even the church at Laodicea, was scornfully rebuked by the GLORIFIED LORD YESHUA - "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." [Revelation 3. 17] They were cunning, deceitful and loved to oppress. Thinking to themselves that they had become rich in finding wealth for themselves by all their labours and thought that no one, even Almighty God, could find iniquity in them. Truly, their minds were dull and diluted.

GOD OMNIPOTENT has promised to supply all our need if we are faithful to Him [Matthew 6. 33; Philippians 4. 19], and we need to weigh all our standards of prosperity on the balances of eternity. "I saw the wicked, powerful, and well-rooted like a healthy native tree. Suddenly he vanished and was gone; I sought him, but he was not to be found. Mark the blameless, note the upright; for there is a future for the man of integrity. But transgressors shall be utterly destroyed, the future of the wicked shall be cut off. The deliverance of the righteous comes from the LORD; their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and rescues them; delivers them from the wicked and saves them, for they seek refuge in HIM and trust in HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 35 - 40 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!

For all things, O GOD our KING, we bless and exalt YOU for ever and ever. YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation through every generation. YOU, LORD GOD are good, YOUR mercies fail not and YOUR loving kindnesses never cease. We give you thanks and glory and wisdom for this is befitting. Amen.

 Till next time Gentle Reader,

Love, Denis