Learn to Confront Evil

Learn to Confront Evil

Good Morning Friends,

Yesterday we were studying Genesis 1 and the creation story against the first chapter of John. One of the challenging questions before us was the problem of evil and whether God created it, and if He did why. Frankly I am a little reluctant to jump into this murky pool. I appreciate how Paul rejoiced in all things, but I do not think this is exactly what he had in mind for us to think on… Still this problem of evil persists and it is in the Bible and no matter how our favorite translation of the Bible shades it, it is still dark. So today I would like to look at our reaction to it in light of how God uses evil for good and how suffering still is part of our world and how the last days are filled with something for us to not be artificially cheerful about. But moreover I would like for us to explore the possibility through prayer of how all this might bring glory to Christ and magnify Him in our lives. If it cannot do that then I have a problem for it would prompt way too many to blame God and that should not stand. The harsh reality is that all this should bring us to our knees to pray prayers in the Bible so we might Learn to Confront Evil.

Scripture: “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.”

Isaiah 45:7, (KJV)

Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster befall a city, unless the Lord has done it?

Amos 3:6 (NRSV)

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20 (NRSV)

Message: Following Bible study I went to a luncheon where I heard Retired Air Force General Kevin P. Chilton speak about strategic deterrent. He should know something about this topic because he was the former military head of the Strategic Command, overseeing all of the nation’s nuclear weapons. Evil is an issue that has long perplexed me. It is something that the General confronted in his daily work. The connection between the speaker and our morning pray time was perhaps coincidental and perhaps not. I will let you figure that out. As the General spoke I thought about the possibility of nuclear war. I thought about how evil entered into this world because of sin. I thought about how an angel was kicked out of heaven and man out of the garden. I thought about how poorly we really see things and the hope of being a new creature in Christ. As the General ended that talk witnessed that he is a Christian that that he looks forward to the day when the “lion lays down with the lamb” but that when the time comes, he wants us to be the lion.

Pray as Jabez: “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” (1 Chronicles 4:10) Pray as Mary: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty has done to me great things; holy is His name.” (Luke 1:46-49) Pray as Jesus: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you always hear me.” (John 11:42) Pray as the Tax Collector: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) Pray as David: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies triumph over me.” (Psalm 25:1-2) Pray as Hannah: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord…No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God”. (1 Samuel 2:1-2) Pray as Samson: “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me…” (Judges 16:28) Pray as Paul: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” (Ephesians 3:14-16)Pray as King Nebuchadnezzar: “It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:3)Pray as Habakkuk: “O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2) Pray as a Leper: “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2) Pray as Nehemiah: “I beseech Thee, O Lord God of heaven the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and loving-kindness for who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant…” (Nehemiah 1:4-11) Pray as Jonah: “I called out of my distress to the Lord, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-9) Pray as the Thief at the Cross: “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” (Luke 23:42) Pray as King Asa: “Lord there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us our God, for we trust in You and in Your name…” (2 Chronicles 14:11) Pray as Jeremiah: “Although our iniquities testify against us, O Lord, act for Thy name’s sake! (Jeremiah 14:7) Pray as Solomon: “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil…” (1 Kings 3:9 Solomon)Pray as Jesus at Gethsemane: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Pray as Stephen for others forgiveness: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60)

Blessings,

John Lawson