Jeremiah 12:1-4

1 Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You;
Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?
2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root;
They grow, yes, they bear fruit.
You are near in their mouth
But far from their mind.
3 But You, O LORD, know me;
You have seen me,
And You have tested my heart toward You.
Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,
And prepare them for the day of slaughter.
4 How long will the land mourn,
And the herbs of every field wither?
The beasts and birds are consumed,
For the wickedness of those who dwell there,
Because they said, “He will not see our final end.”
Jeremiah 12:1-4 NKJV

In verse 1 Jeremiah asks a question that many have? Why do the wicked prosper? Why are those who do everything wrong seemingly happy? Before asking the question, Jeremiah confirms his faith that God is righteous and acknowledges that he sees God answering his prayers. Still, he sees the people who claim to follow God by speaking the correct religious words while practicing evil deeds prosper. They seem happy, they pile up mounds of money, they drive a ripping sports car, they live in a booming estate with plenty of hired staff, the beautiful people hang with them and on them, everything looks good in their lives. Jeremiah knows his own heart, and he can see the errors of the way the rulers and officials of his day live. God speaks to him, and Jeremiah has faith that God knows him. Why, he asks, does God let those who only pretend to follow God while taking advantage of the weak and poor have the respect and admiration of their fellow men. The wicked think that they are being rewarded for their good words, but what is their final end? Jeremiah knows what the wicked who pretend to follow God, while in actuality paying God and His plans no heed, deserve. They deserve what all sinners deserve, but it seems that this fate is passing them by and they are being rewarded with blessing beyond what the righteous have. Jeremiah can see the results on his homeland of the actions of those who are in positions of leadership and responsibility. He asks God if they will get their just rewards, or will they always be rich and powerful.

Lord,
Help me to have Jeremiah's faith in You. when I see those prosper who do wrong, help me to know that You know me and that my reward will come from You. Help me to remember that only You can give me blessings that last for eternity. Help me to trust in You whatever circumstances I find myself, because You are faithful and righteous and Your judgments are fair and merciful.