Concerning the transgression of the wicked: there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes when he finds out his iniquity and when he hates. (Psalm 36:1-2)
Have you ever stopped and wondered what makes people do the evil things they do? David did; he assessed his own life in regard to the Almighty and considered himself to be a servant of God. Apparently, this caused him to contemplate those who do not serve the Lord, but instead serve themselves, and what makes them tick. How could they be so blatantly obstinate and rebellious when, clearly, there is a God in Heaven? The conclusion David arrived at was the wicked have no fear of God, only amorous feelings for themselves. The evil inclination is allowed to run rampant in those who convince themselves there is no sovereign God who rules as Master of the Universe and the affairs of this world.
When Goliath taunted Israel forty days and nights, no one dared to go out and meet him, that is, until David walked onto the field. Pound for pound, David was no match for the massive Philistine champion, but David realized something that, apparently, no one else had thought about. Most everyone else noticed the man’s size and the fact that he was armed to the teeth; David noticed something else. Goliath not only mocked the armies of Israel, but he also mocked and defied the God of Israel; when David witnessed the giant’s complete lack of respect for the God of Israel, David realized the Philistine was vulnerable and unprotected.
It might be that there are certain transgressions God chooses to be abundantly patient with in the hope that the transgressor will repent and turn from his wickedness. However, when someone has determined that there is no God, they also convince themselves that there are no consequences for their rebellious deeds. That, in turn, provokes some to mock and ridicule the God they say they don’t believe exists. But just because He doesn’t respond immediately, doesn’t mean that He will allow such behavior to continue indefinitely. In short, that person is placing themselves in imminent peril because, as it is written, “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
As servants of the Most High, we know that He will repay men according to their deeds (Isaiah 59:18). Therefore, let us continue to walk in Godly fear, for our God is a consuming fire; and let us continue to serve Him faithfully in appreciation of His goodness to us. In all things we do, let us be witnesses of the fact that there is, indeed, a God in Heaven who extends mercy to those who love Him and who keep His commandments.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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