No One Mourns the
Wicked
By Vernette Kureck
“But God demonstrates
his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
She was different. She was born green and
green wasn’t normal. Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West wasn’t normal. In
the Wizard of Oz she died of an allergic reaction to water. A literal meltdown!
Glinda, the Good Witch, asks in the theme song from Wicked, “Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust
upon them? After all she had a father. She had a mother, as so many do.” As she
sings about what goodness knows concerning wickedness, she claims her good
news: “No One Mourns the Wicked.” [1] Is that true? I say, Glinda,
you need to hear the really Good News!
What does the Bible have to say about
wickedness? Generally those who are opposed to God and other humans are
described as wicked. Its way is dark and its desires evil. Adam and Eve opposed
God’s plan in the garden. Because of that sin we are naturally turned away from
God and under eternal wrath. We are corrupt and make wrong choices; we are even
inclined to do “bad” things.
The Good News is that God still loved us and
sent His Son to pay the price for our wickedness, for our sin. Jesus lived a
perfect life. He entered this world to give His life as a ransom. Jesus came to
teach God’s truth about Himself, about God, about our sin and what we must do
in response. The torturous crucifixion of Jesus displayed the self-giving love
and grace of God as Jesus bore the penalty of God’s wrath for our wickedness.
On the third day, Jesus was raised from the dead. God showed His acceptance of
Christ’s sacrifice for all those who would repent
and believe. Our basic way of life
will either be oriented toward God and His light or toward the darkness of sin.
God’s plan is to save His people from their sins and to bring His people to
Himself. Believers have been saved from the penalty of their wickedness and are
currently being saved from the power of sin. And, someday in eternity, we will
be saved from the very presence of wickedness and sin.
So Glinda, let me proclaim what Goodness knows
concerning wickedness. Wickedness is conquered. Evil is vanquished. Someone
does mourn the wicked. He is God in the Person of Jesus Christ…and He is
Goodness.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How have you responded to Jesus Christ?
2. With whom can you share the Good News?
FURTHER READING:
[1] No One Mourns the Wicked,” from Wicked, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Vernette and her husband Ken have been married
over 45 and have 2 sons. They have been blessed with eight gradnchildren. She
serves Oakwood on the prayer chain.
