Yet he passed away

I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found. - Psalm 37v35-36

Many wicked have thought themselves great. They all seem to think that they are the ones who are going to be different. Many of them have been obsessed with the idea of long-life or eternal youth.

I like Star Trek, especially the original series. One of the episodes is called Space Seed. The villian in the episode is Khan Noonien Singh. Kahn had been an evil world ruler during the Eugenics Wars of the 1990s. When things went badly he had himself and a crew put into suspended animation and launched into space with the intent of being revived and coming back to power. After being revived by the crew of the Enterprise Khan tries to take it over, but of course is defeated by Kirk and Crew and exiled to Ceti Alpha V. Fifteen year later Kahn escapes to seek revenge on Kirk, but is defeated and dies in the film Wrath of Kahn.

Kahn is typical of evil rulers. Their empires grow and expand like a massive green tree. It seems like nothing can defeat them. Our kids grew up playing in the shadow of a massive tree that was a least 200 years old. It was big and strong and sturdy and seemed invincible, but one night recently during a wind storm I was awaken by a massive crack. The tree had blown over, and within days was reduced to a pile of sawdust. Now, grass is growing there and soon all remnants will be forgotten.

We can be encouraged that no matter how powerful and mighty and invincible the wicked are they are all going to pass away one day. They, no matter how much they wish, cannot go on forever.

Praise God that He will never pass away.

I have seen polls asking the question 'Who is the most influential man who ever lived?' The answers may vary, but only one really fits the bill. Only One of them is still alive today!