Why do the wicked prosper?  Why them?  The Bible asks the same question.  Our hearts also cry out wondering why.  Politicians get away with almost everything you or I dare not try.  One false step and the book is thrown our way.  Don’t have to do much and that green-eyed monster rises up in others, looking askance at me, wishing me to fall hard and fast.  And this is family and friends!

The Old Testament prophet Daniel has visions that raise questions as well.  Terrifying dreams.  About despicable invaders who trample on and destroy everything in their path, especially what’s good and godly.  Ruination of God’s nation in the forecast.  As Daniel says, ‘It (evil goat) prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground’ (v. 12).

Why does evil triumph?  Leaving God’s own people trampled.  God’s truth heaved to the ground, mingled with manure and mud.  Walked all over.  Scorned with a sinister sneer.  Then in verse 24–‘He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in everything he does.  He will destroy…the holy people.’  Why them?

Everywhere he looks, Daniel sees injustice taking first prize.  Blue ribbons awarded to evil losers.  We know how that feels.  We shake our collective heads at all the news that so alarms us.  We fret over the world our children and grandchildren will inhabit and inherit, if Jesus doesn’t come back soon (and we pray He does!).  What terrors will confront them?  Why them?

But what should we do in the meantime?  Here’s where Daniel helps.  What does he do?  Read verse 27.  Clear as a bell.  Gets on with his life.  Eases nail-biting fears by doing what’s usual and normal.  Daniel 8: 27– ‘I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days.  Then I got up and went about the king’s business’.

Keep on keeping on, says Daniel.  Do what you do.  Don’t be deterred from what the Lord has for you right now.  Head held high.  Pray continually.  Keep sharing Jesus as best you can.  Look for His windows opening up with fresh air in a polluted world.

See the door in front of you?  It’s opening.  Get up and go about the King’s business!

Thank you, Jesus, for life worth living.  Amen.