The Hypocrite’s Joy
“Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?” Job 20:4,5
The above verses have been on my mind ever since I read them yesterday morning – in particular, the last phrase. How very sad to go through life pretending to be saved when deep down inside one knows it is all just a show. The “joy” that a hypocrite appears to have is temporary. The hypocrite’s joy is all smiles and laughter in the presence of believers but at the end of the day…when once again all alone with their thoughts…the reality of their emptiness returns. The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment.
Our pastor has often said something like, “the most miserable life a person can live is trying to be something you are not”. Yesterday afternoon, as the girls and I went to town, a song was playing on one of our CDs. It is a song that tells the story of an individual coming to church and getting saved. One of the phrases in the song is:
“I knew that I was lost, my life was a sham”
As we listened to that song, I told Bethany it reminded me of the verses I had read that morning – “my life was a sham”. That describes the life of a hypocrite.
The sad reality is, that many people choose to go through their entire life this way – unwilling to stop pretending, let go of their pride and admit they are lost. So often I believe they have lived a lie for so long that they feel they could never admit their lost condition to family and friends. And so, instead of humbling themselves before God, trusting Christ, and receiving everlasting joy, they choose the joy of a hypocrite. How very sad. The hypocrite’s joy is but for a moment.
When our days are over on this earth and we draw our last breath, one of two things will happen. For those of us who have repented of our sins and trusted Christ to save us, our joy will continue for we will be in our Saviour’s presence.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11
For those who have never humbled themselves before God here on this earth, any “joy” they have experienced will immediately cease as they face eternal damnation.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
In my kitchen, there is a sign hanging:
This morning, may I make that plea with you? Are you living a pretend life – the life of a hypocrite? My friend, by continuing this superficial life, you are choosing temporary joy for the hypocrite’s joy is but for a moment. If you have never admitted you were a sinner and trusted Christ to save you, won’t you do so this morning? By doing so, you will be choosing joy – everlasting joy!
“Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” Isaiah 51:11