When A Sinner Is Allowed To Continue

“Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?” (Job 24:1)

Nothing is hidden from God. So why is it that sometimes bad people prosper? How is it that evil sometimes goes unscathed, unrecognized and doesn’t “see his days”, meaning why don’t these folks, who wittingly sin, experience the wrath of God?

Job goes on to say, “They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.” (Job 24:24)

All in due time. If not in this world, then the next. Righteousness will prevail over sin. It always does. But things happen on God’s timetable, not ours.

Do not be fooled or misguided. Don’t be like the ones that say, “The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it” (Psalm 94:7).

Or like those who believe that, “God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.” (Psalm 10:11).

These are sure paths to death and destruction.

God sees everyone and everything. The iniquities of the unrepentant sinner shall be reckoned with and reconciled accordingly.  

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins” (Proverbs 5:21-22).

But this is none of our concern, for God said “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Trust God. He knows, He sees and will act justly and righteously at the exact right time.

Let’s take to heart something Jesus said to Peter when Peter was concerned over the fact that John was following them.

“This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. (John 21:19-22)

Jesus told Peter about John, “…what is that to thee? follow thou me.”

We should have the same attitude when it comes to the sin of others going unpunished. What is it to you? Why are you concerned or bothered that a sinner, at least for now, is allowed to continue? Just follow after Jesus Christ, His will and His way and everything will be fine.

Bill Hitchcock