UNMASKED EVIL!

Sunday, September 30, 2018

UNMASKED EVIL!

Psalm 73

           Typical of Hebrew writing, the conclusion is presented first. “ Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. Ps 73:1 No matter how much evil rages around us the pure and good nature of God is unchanged.

           But as for me! Evil, when it is cloaked produces suspicion and caution. The hairs stand up attentive to warn us that what we are seeing is deceit. Body heat concentrates in our core. The ears tune in to lies and the eyes dilate to catch every nuance. This is evil. We know it but it is wearing fine clothing and presenting itself with manners.

           Unmasked evil is shocking! All our suspicions are verified and cordiality turns vicious. Evil bears its teeth and its breath is foul. We are afraid. We are angry and we are discouraged. How could such open evil parade in our streets? How could it sit openly in our halls of government and in our pews singing our hymns? It can no longer hide so it abandons pretense. “Our steps have well nigh slipped” because evil prevails – even in us.

           Evil prospers for a time! “Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Ps 73:12 Evil rewards itself with stolen treasures. The good and the meek have been mugged and lay bleeding in the streets. They have been spoiled. We are incensed and seek revenge but evil is too strong for us. We need a champion.

           Evil has an end! “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

Ps 73:16-17  In the sanctuary evil has only one of two choices. It may continue on to destruction or it may receive forgiveness through repentance. But it is in the sanctuary that evil comes to an end.

Dear Lord, in your sanctuary put an end to evil. In your sanctuary put an end to discouragement. In your sanctuary let my lips sing your praise. AMEN