“But that’s not fair!”  How many times have you made that protest or heard someone else say the same?  It is a harsh reality and, if you are a victim, a tough lesson to learn—Life is not fair!

Of course, “fairness”, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder!  In other words, it is subjective.  It is a universal fact—without law and justice, the wicked lie, cheat and scheme to further their interest.  The world does not play fair; however, God has assured His people there is coming a day of judgment when justice will be served.

Proverbs 14:19 – “The evil [wicked men] bow [bow down; fall prostrate] before the good [morally good]; and the wicked [criminal; guilty] at the gates [door] of the righteous [just; law-abiding].”

The story of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) is illustrative of Proverbs 14:19.  The rich man enjoyed the best money could buy in his lifetime, but treated the beggar Lazarus with contempt.  I have always found it notable that the rich man was familiar with Lazarus and knew his name; however, the man who had much had no compassion on Lazarus who, though poor, was a man whose faith rested in God’s promises.  Following the deaths of both the rich man and Lazarus, we find them serving out God’s justice—the rich man in hell and Lazarus resting in “Abraham’s bosom” [a picture of peace and rest].  We now find God’s justice served as the rich man begs for Lazarus to be sent to comfort his thirst with a drop of water.  True to God’s justice, the rich man finds no mercy, no grace in the midst of the flames of hell (Luke 16:25-31).

Too often the wicked seem to triumph; however, God is just and justice will be done, if not now, in the end!

My friend, set aside vengeance and trust the Lord.  Like a loving Father, God hears our cries when life is not fair and assures us, justice will be served!

Romans 12:17— “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. ¹⁸  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith