Explore the issue of perceived injustice in the world, reminding believers that even in the face of adversity and unfairness, God's justice prevails and His grace reaches us in our lowest moments.
Good morning, family! Today we're going to dive into one of those tough topics we all face from time to time. You know, those days when the world just doesn't seem fair? When it feels like the bad guys are winning and we’re left asking, ‘Why, Lord, why?’ We're gonna tackle this head-on, looking at the problem of injustice, the struggles of believers, and even the anger of unbelievers.
We're diving deep into Psalm 73, a profound piece of Scripture that wrestles with these very issues.
But before we do, let's begin with a quote from Philip Yancey who once said, "Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part." That is something that is so important to remember, especially as we go through this chapter.
Injustice is a pervasive issue that has plagued humanity since the dawn of time. It's a problem that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It's a universal experience, one that we've all encountered in one form or another. We see it in the news, in our communities, and sometimes, even in our own lives. It's a problem that can shake our faith, make us question God's goodness, and even lead us to doubt His existence.
The Psalmist in Psalm 73 observed the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, and he couldn't reconcile this with his understanding of a just and loving God. He saw the wicked living in ease and comfort, their bodies healthy and robust, untouched by the troubles that afflict ordinary people. He saw them thriving while the righteous struggled and suffered. This observation led him to question, to doubt, and to wrestle with the seeming injustice of it all.
Not unique to the Psalmist: Many of us have found ourselves in similar situations, where we've looked at the world around us and asked, 'Why, Lord, why?' Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Why does injustice seem to prevail while justice seems to falter? These questions are not only valid; they're essential. They force us to confront the reality of our broken world and to grapple with our understanding of God in the midst of it.
Challenges our faith on multiple levels: It challenges our understanding of God's character. If God is good, why does He allow evil to prosper? If He is just, why does He permit injustice to prevail? These questions force us to wrestle with our understanding of God's goodness and justice in a world that often seems to contradict these very attributes.
Challenges our understanding of God's sovereignty: If God is in control, why does He allow the wicked to prosper? Why doesn't He intervene and put an end to their prosperity? These questions force us to grapple with our understanding of God's sovereignty in a world that often seems out of control.
Challenges our understanding of God's presence: If God is with us, why does He seem so distant in the face of injustice? Why does He seem silent when we cry out for justice? These questions force us to wrestle with our understanding of God's presence in a world that often feels abandoned and forsaken.
Our faith is not rooted in our understanding: It is fully rooted in God's revelation. Our faith is not based on our ability to comprehend God's ways, but on His promise to be with us, to love us, and to work all things together for our good. Even when we don't understand, even when we can't see His hand, we can trust Him.
Injustice forces us to wrestle, to question, and to doubt: It's also a problem that can deepen our faith, strengthen our trust, and draw us closer to God. It's a problem that can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's character, His sovereignty, and His presence. It's a problem that can lead us to a deeper experience of His grace, His love, and His peace.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time you or someone you know struggled with injustice and how it has shaped your/their understanding of God's character, sovereignty, and presence.
This Psalm is a raw and honest account of a believer wrestling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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