Proverbs
23:17-18 (NIV)
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be
zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and
your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs
24:19-20 (NIV)
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of
the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked
will be snuffed out.
A
look into Proverbs often becomes a study of comparison and contrasts, and so it
is with the text selected for today’s thoughts. At first glance, we might be
tempted to gloss over the idea of being envious of the wicked, and yet the news
is full of people eagerly joining those engaged in wrongful acts. Scripture is
clear—there is no future hope in this course of action.
Our
duty is just as clear—always be zealous (i.e., in eager pursuit) for the fear
of the LORD. This is the way to a lasting future hope.
To
be clear, salvation is available to anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.
Even the wicked may turn to him. But that is just the point—they must turn to
the Lord, and so must we! This is the only way to be certain of a future hope
in glory.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
In our human frailty, we often
lose sight of future hope because of the evil surrounding us. In mercy Heavenly
Father, guide us back to an eager pursuit of following you. We thank you for
your promise of future hope for those who remain faithful.
In
Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Respectfully written and submitted by
Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of
Christ’s return!
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