Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 3 & Psalm 73

 When the Ungodly Prosper

Asaph, who wrote Psalm 73, was one of David's worship leaders in Israel’s tabernacle choir. He was a skilled singer and a poet and a man of faith, who acknowledged that God is good to Israel and to all who are pure of heart. But, as all humans are inclined to do, Asaph became discouraged and found that his faith wavered when he constantly saw how wicked men seemed to prosper and get away with all sorts of evil practices.

Life seemed so unfair to this man and his faith in God was seriously tested, when he saw how the ungodly prospered and increased in riches and popularity, despite their oppressive ways, crooked schemes, arrogant attitudes, and foul mouths. To make matters worse, the ungodly often seemed to hold public office and be in places of leadership. Asaph knew that he had led a decent, honest and respectable life by comparison with these ungodly shysters. Life seemed so cruel and unfair to this man of faith. The question on his mind was, “why does God allow the ungodly to prosper while the godly are unjustly persecuted?”

It can be discouraging to any of us when we see ungodly and arrogant people prosper. Especially when they hold public office and are in places of leadership. We see them day in and day out promoting ungodly policies and pushing immoral positions. This can be especially frustrating when we long for and pray for God’s righteousness to restore our nation and yet see lifetime politicians continue to expand their non-Christian ideologies.

It was only when Asaph sought God in His holy sanctuary that he started to find answers to his dilemma. There, he realized how short-sighted he was being, looking only at temporal positions. He had the wrong perspective. He needed to get his thinking straight by viewing life through the lenses of eternity. Once he did that, he realized that the ungodly person’s prosperity is only temporary. One day, he/she will have to meet their Maker. On that day, their position and power on earth will mean nothing. God will call them to account for their life and if they haven’t made peace with Him, their future is bleak.  The plans, privileges, prosperity, and pride of the wicked will one day evaporate while those that trust in the Lord will be held steady by the strong arm of our God, guided by His counsel, protected by His grace, and at last received into glory. Our future is bright!

In verse 26 of this Psalm, Asaph joyfully declares that he has found the “secret” to his dilemma – the strength of God. He declares that, although he experiences temporal failure, he has a God who is rock-firm and faithful. This God is his portion forever. We, as followers of Christ, have our Lord's assurance that the sufferings of this present life cannot be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us, for we have a blessed hope that is anchored in Christ and an inheritance that is secured for us in heaven. No amount of earthly prosperity can compare!