Endings

For Friday, August 5, 2005
Proverbs 11:23

The desire of the righteous ends only in good;
the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

Note first that the desire of the righteous is righteous desire. The righteous and the wicked may desire the same job and the wicked win out. They may both desire to win the game and the wicked triumphs. But in the end, because the righteous desire righteousness above all, their desires will bring good. Thus, God causes all things to work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). For the wicked, on the other hand, temporal gains and triumphs will ultimately end in bearing God's wrath.

Pray for the wicked, that they experience defeat now so that they might then repent and turn to God. Their "triumphs" only drive them further away, building up a false sense of security. Pray for those who disdain you because of your faith; pray for those who take advantage of your obedience to righteousness. What matters most is not how the story unfolds, but how it ends. Thank God that he has already shown us the ending and guaranteed it through Christ.