And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
This passage of scripture teaches us of the eternal consequences of the choices we now make in this probationary time, whether those choices are good or evil. One of the greatest mistakes and deceptions in our day is the belief that we are accountable only to ourselves, and that the far reaching consequences and results of doing good or evil is just a myth that is held by some believing Christians.
But the passage for today debunks any such theory, for it plainly states what the end result will be, for those who choose to live righteously, and for those who dare to choose otherwise. Both the evil and the good have rewards coming their way, and in lieu of this sacred truth, we are advised in the scriptures to choose wisely, since the recompenses will surely be commensurate with the decisions we make.
However, it is important for us to know that it is not every time in this life, that we will realize the literal results of choosing righteousness, for there are cases where it may seem as if the ungodly are prospering by doing evil, while the Christian is tempted and harassed by the evil one from day to day. Choosing to do good is not always a sure guarantee that the end result will be a bed of roses, for there are many instances in the Bible, where those who followed God faithfully, suffered on account of their choices, and in other cases, the expected results were delayed for some good reason. This seeming paradox is what almost caused David's chief musician to stumble, for as he reasoned from cause to effect in the temporal realm, there seemed to be a sort of disconnect between righteousness and the expected results. Let's read:
Psalm 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
But the scriptures do not stop there, for even though the ungodly may seem to prosper for a while, yet the sure results of a wrong course of action will catch up to those who choose to do evil, for the sacred laws of cause and effect will run their natural course, sooner or later. As a matter of fact, it is because of the grace of God, and His reluctance to see anyone perish, why at times it may seem like if the wicked are being blessed, whilst the Christian is being cursed. But the word of God never fails in any particular, and even though God may bear long with the high-handed iniquity of evil doers, yet the time comes when the reaping process must take place, and then the true end result is seen. Let's read:
Psalm 73:16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
In our present social and economic environment, it may seem as if there is a reversal of the laws of cause and effect, for there are instances before our faces where those who choose good over evil are met with the fiercest opposition from foes and agencies that are bent on their destruction. Just recently a police officer who stopped to help a wounded man was shot dead in the process, and many were shocked at how the officer was rewarded with evil for doing good. Again, there are companies that drain every ounce of energy and production from their workers for the paltry price of substandard wages, whilst the profits of those same corporations skyrocket to the heavens.
But there is a God in the heavens who sits high and looks low, and whereas many of us may think that there is a disparity in choices and rewards, yet the day of final reckoning will come, when each person is to receive their just dues. Thus, in lieu of this solemn truth, it behooves each and every one of us to choose wisely, so that we will not be surprised or disappointed in the day of judgment. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that we choose Christ and His righteousness, for the end result will be eternal life. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!