Why does the wicked prosper?

Psalm 73:1-28

I.       This was written by Asaph (ay-saf)

A.    His name means “collector”

B.    He was a musician in the court of David

1.     David appointed him over the music for worship

2.     Asaph also sang at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple

II.     Asaph tells us something here that I have wondered about myself in times past.

A.    Look at verse 3

1.     Why do the unsaved in the world prosper?

B.    Have I done all these things to God in vain?

1.     I got saved and tried to live for God

2.     I am trying to do all the right things

3.     Look in Psalm 73:13, Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency

III.    Than in verse 17 Asaph understands what its all about as he says Psalm 73:17, Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end

A.    Luke 16:20-25,20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

B.    Lets look at the rich man for a moment

1.     I bet that nice things were said at his funeral

a)     He gave gifts of charity

b)     His family went without want

c)     He did so well for himself

2.     But look at him in Hell

a)     He was tormented

b)     Look in verse 24

(1)   The rich man asks to have some water

(2)   Just dip his finger in the water to touch my tongue

(3)   I remember when I was in the Hospital I lived that experience

C.    Now let look at the Lazarus

1.     Lazarus name means “God the helper”

a)     Which means God does the work and not Lazarus

b)     Lazarus was righteous because what God did for him

c)     Lazarus was depended upon God.

2.     He was the poorest of the poor

3.     He was not given a decent burial

4.     But God's angles were waiting for him and they took him to Abraham’s bosom

5.     God is trying to teach us something here today and that is we should not look at what the unsaved have and want from it.

Conclusion:

Lets look at verse Luke 16:25, But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

I look at this way: The people who are not saved or never will be are having their heaven here on earth

Life on earth is only about 80 or 90 years at best.

Compare that to eternity in heaven

We need to take our eyes and hearts off the things of earth and look to the heavenly things to come.

Eternity is a lot loner than 80 years.

Psalm 37:1, Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

They will have their just rewards in time.

Sunday morning Biker Service 6/3/07