June 21st - Reflection

Job 18:1-21 (NRSV)
God will destroy the wicked

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:
"How long will you hunt for words?
Consider, and then we shall speak.
Why are we counted as cattle?
Why are we stupid in your sight?
You who tear yourself in your anger -
shall the earth be forsaken because of you,
or the rock be removed out of its place?

"Surely the light of the wicked is put out,
and the flame of their fire does not shine.
The light is dark in their tent,
and the lamp above them is put out.
Their strong steps are shortened,
and their own schemes throw them down.
For they are thrust into a net by their own feet,
and they walk into a pitfall.
A trap seizes them by the heel;
a snare lays hold of them.
A rope is hid for them in the ground,
a trap for them in the path.
Terrors frighten them on every side,
and chase them at their heels.
Their strength is consumed by hunger,
and calamity is ready for their stumbling.
By disease their skin is consumed,
the firstborn of Death consumes their limbs.
They are torn from the tent in which they trusted,
and are brought to the king of terrors.
In their tents nothing remains;
sulfur is scattered upon their habitations.
Their roots dry up beneath,
and their branches wither above.
Their memory perishes from the earth,
and they have no name in the street.
They are thrust from light into darkness,
and driven out of the world.
They have no offspring or descendant among their people,
and no survivor where they used to live.
They of the west are appalled at their fate,
and horror seizes those of the east.
Surely such are the dwellings of the ungodly,
such is the place of those who do not know God."

Reflection
Is there a trap  for the wicked? Will they fall to ruin? Sometimes, it seems, I don't see any difference in the lives between the wicked and the good. It seems the wicked get all the breaks. It seems the wicked get all the wealth. It seems the wicked get to run over the good with their power. But then I reconsider the priorities.

The wicked must place priority in this world. The only hope they have is to succeed here and now in whatever game is playing that brings power and prestige here and now. The abundance of life for the wicked is right now. The wicked also know that one slip, and the game could be over. So it is important to indulge on worldly goods and passions here and now, because that's all there is.

God's children, however, while still sinners, know of a hope in Jesus. There is a promise of eternal life. Sure, we still live in the here and now. But we live in the here and now to utilize the gifts God has given us in the Kingdom. Listen to, and discern the call of God and act in the here and now, knowing that you are living that eternal life here and now. Eternity has been taken care of through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the love he freely gives to you.

I think the trap and the fall into ruin come when the wicked believe that they are the only means to salvation.

Focus on the cross of Jesus, hear the call, discern the action you are to take, and joyfully walk with God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you alone are my Savior...count me with the Redeemed as I hear the call and discern the actions you wish for me to take...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen