We often become jealous when we look at the world. Sometimes it can seem like God is raining down his blessings on those who care nothing for him, while those who love him and cry out to him for help find no answer.

Will you let them get away with this forever? Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquests?

Habakkuk 1:17Habakkuk 1:17
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
17 Will he keep hauling in his nets and destroying nations without showing mercy?

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The life of the wicked has a lot of appeal. No dependence on others, we can be what we want to be. Take what you want! If it makes you happy, why not get your fill? No need to wait for justice, you can decide what is best, what is right. You can make it happen. Why would you want to suffer? Look at those less fortunate; why waste money on people who are just going to take advantage of you? They don’t deserve what you have worked so hard for! It can seem like the wicked succeed by the worst things imaginable, and no one stands up to challenge them.

But in the end, the life of the wicked is no more satisfying. This lifestyle destroys relationships. It is based on pride and greed. It soaks up everything good, chews it up and spits it out destroyed. It may look good for a time, but is rotten to the core. All the hopes of freedom and self-empowerment can vanish in the twinkling of an eye. And as the wicked turn inward, they worship what their hands have made, and eventually worship themselves, giving the credit for their good fortune and numerous blessings to their own efforts and skill.

We need to avoid the temptation to jealousy when we see the wicked prosper. All the “stuff” they surround themselves with is temporary. Their successes will not last. God is not fooled. He looks beyond the appearances and sees empty hearts – cold, separated from his warming Spirit. We need to encourage each other daily: Develop a deep and lasting relationship with God, even if it costs worldly pleasure. And we need the constant reminder that God is building community, and never expected us to go it alone.

Will you let them get away with this forever? No, God will not allow those who ignore his voice to ignore it forever. All will stand before God and give an account. The “heartless conquests” will be met by the eternal reign of Jesus, who will wipe away every tear.