Two Ways to LiveSample

The Destruction of the Wicked

The way of the wicked is the exact opposite of the godly. Unlike the godly man, the wicked man is not blessed but rather cursed. He does not delight in the law of the Lord but rather in the sinful pursuits of this world. He is not like a tree firmly planted that brings forth its fruit in its season but rather like the chaff that the wind blows away. In the wicked, there is no certainty, no lasting happiness, and ultimately no spiritual vitality bringing forth a harvest of blessing. 

This picture however often seems far removed from the realities of our world. The wicked in this world often seem to prosper and enjoy tremendous happiness and often precisely due to their sinful endeavors. The Psalmist elsewhere begrudgingly confesses, “I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind (Psalm 73:3-5).” However, such outward prosperities are a snare for “from their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild (Psalm 73:7).” Though “they spend their days in prosperity, and in peace, they go down to Sheol (Job 21:13).” In the final reckoning, there is no escaping the judgment of God. The Lord Jesus is ready with “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:12).” Thus, the temporary prosperity of the wicked in this world is a dangerous thing for it only prepares them for their own destruction in the coming judgment of the Lord. 

All sinners at the end of the day are like chaff to be driven away and destroyed, if not for the grace of God in Christ Jesus. The godly man is planted sure and secure only because of the cross of Calvary where Christ Jesus was driven away like chaff for them who believe in Him. Therefore, may we not take our salvation in life for granted. Instead, may we be grateful for the grace that saves us from the predicament of the wicked.