Some suffer as a result of circumstances beyond anyone’s control – from cancer or catastrophic weather conditions. Some suffer as a result of another’s recklessness, be it the drunk driver or the negligent medic. And some suffer because of the deliberate intentions of those wishing to inflict harm.
While the first might be thought of as unavoidable and the second considered tragic, the third must surely be seen as evil.
We don’t like to think too much about the existence of evil, especially at this time of year, preferring instead to see Christmas only as a time of peace and goodwill to all. But there it is, right at the heart of the Nativity, when Herod, determined to eliminate the one he considered a threat to his throne, ordered the massacre of every male child under the age of two. [Matthew 2:16]
Behind Herod’s action, however, lurked one who was, and is, more malevolent still – someone whom we don’t like to think about at all – namely the devil himself. But as a key figure in the Christmas story, he cannot be ignored – not if we want one day to be rid of all that he continues to bring about.
Because he knew that the Magi were right when they spoke of a new King being born. [Matthew 2:2] And he recognised that his dark realm was under threat by Jesus who had come to usher in the Kingdom of God. [Mark 1:15]
And so, having failed to have him slaughtered as a baby, the devil then repeatedly tried to tempt Jesus to abandon His path to Calvary. But whether in the wilderness [Matthew 4:1-11] or through the well-meaning words of his disciples [Matthew 16:23], Jesus always resisted. And so the day came when eventually he was crucified. And though it was carried out by wicked men, Jesus’ death on the cross was also according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God. [Acts 2:23]
So then, what others meant for evil, God meant for good. [Genesis 50:20] And the evil that sought to destroy Him became the means by which evil itself was destroyed.
For through His perfect sacrifice, Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame. [Colossians 2:15] And through the shedding of His blood, He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of light. [Colossians 1:13] Furthermore, having been raised to life and subsequently ascending – not just to heaven, but to a throne – that kingdom is one He rules Himself, and will continue to rule, unchallenged, for all eternity. [Isaiah 9:7]
Therefore, though for the time being evil continues to have an effect, and though as a consequence we still grieve its consequences, we do not do so as those who have no hope.
For Christ is building his church – and our sure and certain hope remains that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. [Matthew 16:18]
Not now – not ever.
To read Day 18 from 2023, click here
To read Day 18 from 2024, click here
Some musings 