Main Thought:
When God does not immediately punish the wicked, they (and we) are led to think that God does not know or care. But we know that His patience will come to an end and those will see salvation who offer thanks God in faith.
Psalm 50:16–23
But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
For you hate discipline,
and you cast my words behind you.
If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
and you keep company with adulterers.
“You give your mouth free rein for evil,
and your tongue frames deceit.
You sit and speak against your brother;
you slander your own mother’s son.
These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
“Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”
Prayer
Righteous and Almighty God, where we have sinned against our brothers, rebuke us and bring us to repentance that your discipline might lead us to greater faith in the blood of Your dear Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.