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 48 years and are blessed with 8 grandchildren. She serves
Oakwood on the prayer chain and with Family Promise.
