This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God.
The sermon emphasizes the connection between wrong-doing and punishment, and the inevitable fate of the wicked.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding the punishment of the wicked, asserting that while their suffering may not be immediately evident, it is certain that all wickedness will eventually be revealed and punished. Meyer encourages believers to look beyond the temporary triumphs of the wicked and to trust in God's justice, reminding them that the apparent success of the ungodly is fleeting. He concludes by urging the faithful to find solace in God's ultimate judgment, which assures that the wicked will face their doom, regardless of earthly appearances.
Text
This is the portion of a wicked man from God. Job xx. 29.
REPEATEDLY in reading this book we are reminded of the strong convictions entertained by thoughtful men among these Eastern peoples, of the sure connection between wrong‑doing and its bitter penalty. The friends of the sufferer express their opinions in cold‑blooded and unfeeling words; but we can detect their intense convictions beneath all ‑‑ that special suffering indicates the presence of special sin, and that all wickedness is sooner or later brought to light and punished.
We are less able to follow the track of God's providences in these crowded, hurrying days; but there can be little doubt of the connection between wrong‑doing and punishment. The law is immutable. As a man soweth, so shall be also reap. The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment. He shall disgorge his wealth; he shall suck the poison of asps in the remorse and bitterness of his soul; the heavens shall reveal his iniquity; and his descendants shall seek favour of the poor. These things are still to be seen among us, in the rise and fall of proud men and their families.
Let us go into the sanctuary of God, and consider their latter end; and as we contrast it with that of the poorest of his children, we shall find no reason to envy them. Even though no human tribunal sentence them, they carry the harpoon in their heart, and sooner or later it will bring them to a certain and awful doom. It cannot be otherwise whilst God is God. The psalmist said:
"I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a green bay tree;
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not."
Sermon Outline
- The Connection Between Wrong-Doing and Punishment
- The Judgment of God
- A Contrast Between the Wicked and the Righteous
- The Latter End of the Wicked
- The Blessings of the Righteous
- The Triumph of the Wicked is Short
Key Quotes
“As a man soweth, so shall he also reap.” — F.B. Meyer
“The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment.” — F.B. Meyer
“I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green bay tree; Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We must recognize the immutable law of God and the consequences of our actions.
- The wicked will eventually face punishment for their actions, and we should not envy them.
- We should contrast the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous and seek to follow God's path.