This morning in my time to read I read from Psalm 37, Deut 7:6-11, Titus 1:1-16, and John 1:29-34. I was struck by God's reminder that while evil may surround us, we can do something about it. For example, note this Reading:
Psalm 37:1-8 (NRSV)
1 Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers,
2 for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
7 Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret--it leads only to evil.
Later on in the readings, I came to John 1:29 (NRSV)
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
What do we make of this all?
One of the things we must, of necessity, keep central in our faith (I'd rather say "theology", but it scares some people with the idea that I'm about to say something that won't be understandable!)...one of the things must keep central to faith is that there's a cosmic warfare that exists between real beings -- God beings and Beings controlled by the evil one, Satan. I think most of us would admit that it's been a long time since the words hell, Satan have been part of our thinking. Yet, here is the scripture...saying evil is around us, do we realize it? And, that Jesus Christ is the lamb of God (indicating his sacrificial calling) that comes to deal with that evil as manifested in sin. In and through Christ Jesus, evil is defeated, is overcome. This is NOT through our efforts, although we do cooperate by faith in the finished work of Christ.
Marva Dawn says in her book, "...it is crucial for our times that Christ's victory over evil must be realized not only by Christians in isolation (that is, she means as an individual in their own private world), but especially by communities of believers. That is why the New Testament is so concerned that churches remain an alternative society, not fostering the parasitic growth of the powers of evil but maintaining purity and freedom."
HOW? We must continue to proclaim the Gospel as hope and freedom -- not just on Sunday morning during church, but also within our own minds, within our fellowship with one another, and our homes, to our kids, spouse, and family. Evil is real and there are real forces behind that evil...it is the reason why Christ Jesus went to the cross -- that this evil be defeated, and that is where we stand.
A Prayer:
"Father of mercy...By your son's death and resurrection demolish our pretensions of strength, and on the ruins build a temple worthy of your name, so that all the world may know the glory of your transforming power, shown in Jesus Christ our Lord."
(from For All The Saints, 633
Comments