The Politics of Evil

My last article questioned the value of issuing an order of protection. The nine murders of those attending a Bible study last week are evidence that the enemy penetrates the human heart. We are all at risk and in need of protection.

We can label it a hate crime or terrorism, but one simple fact remains. The enemy, Satan, is real. He is at work. He is unleashing his evil into the world. He unleashed it in Charleston last week.

Anyone who has not called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior is vulnerable. They do not have His protective order against evil entering their heart.

People need to know Jesus is their Divine Protection. My well-worn devotional of choice is My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. In the June 20 entry I am instructed; “the real business of my saved soul is intercessory prayer.” (Job 42:10)

And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10, NKJV)

This is our business–to intercede for lost souls. Evil will continue to increase unless it is defeated by the Cross.

There is no public outcry, activist or political group, no legislative action or increased gun restriction that can extinguish evil. Any human effort, by any group or individual, is ultimately ineffective against the power of Satan.

Evil exists. It is permitted to grow in the hearts of terrorists and political regimes that promote oppression of its citizens. It lives in the hearts of murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and abusers, as well as those who participate in drug, gun or human trafficking. It is also present in the non-violent evil of corporate leaders who steal from investors or employees for personal gain as well. It is also found in the hearts of corrupt elected officials and authority figures, and in your neighbor when they participate in an extramarital affair. If we are not mindful of it, it can be found in our own hearts too, if we choose to be dishonest, unkind, or self-righteously judgmental.

We will continue to be shocked by acts of evil. We shouldn’t be.

Evil exists–everywhere.

Our enemy is like a lion on the prowl. Jesus tells us in John10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” 

We are stronger when we unite for a cause. Until Christ’s return, we will continue to hear about all the evil and the tragedies that occur in the fallen world in which we live. Jesus was willing to die to defeat the power of sin and death and assure us eternal life. May we all unite for His cause. Interceding on behalf of the lost–praying that they are receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit is our duty as followers of Christ.

Being a “good person” will not protect you. The evil perpetrated within you is far worse than committed against you. Anyone who does not accept Jesus and His righteousness is against Him. To reject Him is to make a choice that leaves us vulnerable.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 says, “Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (emphasis mine)

Christians, do you consistently intercede on behalf of the lost? Who has God specifically laid on your heart to pray for?

Friends, would you like to know more about accepting Jesus as your Savior? May we intercede in prayer for you?