"O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds. My shield is with God who saves the upright in heart."
President Reagan was derided for referring to particular nations as "evil", an idea that was scoffed at as archaic to those who thought themselves more enlightened. Whether done for political reasons or not, it was a bold declaration that defined and identified something as opposite and opposed to good, raising the question of sources and forces affecting men's hearts. It was also a thought provoking declaration because it called for action against this "evil" as something that could not go unchecked because it was an enemy and danger to all that was good. The problem for the scoffers, of course, was twofold: first, they have no answer for the horrific abuse humanity has brought on humanity all around the world, and until someone can give a better explanation for such inexplicable abuse, anger, hatred, murders and wars against each other, Reagan's charge is still on the table; and, secondly, to admit the presence of "evil" in the world, gives rise to questions about God, righteousness, responsibility and accountability. This is what the Bible is all about: there is One with whom we have to do. And, though treated either condescendingly or with contempt by some, God's word moves unstoppably and unapologetically across the terrain of this world, like hot lava flowing from a volcano, as truth to be reckoned with. And because these things are true, God's people can hope and pray with confidence and courage. They know that evil is not supreme nor is it impossible. It will always come up against the God who sees, feels, judges and acts. This is what David grabs on to as he deals with the evil that surrounded him and sought him. And what was true then is still true today: "The LORD judges the peoples...God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day. If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword..." (7:8a, 11, 12a). Therefore we can say, "I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High," (7:17).
President Reagan was derided for referring to particular nations as "evil", an idea that was scoffed at as archaic to those who thought themselves more enlightened. Whether done for political reasons or not, it was a bold declaration that defined and identified something as opposite and opposed to good, raising the question of sources and forces affecting men's hearts. It was also a thought provoking declaration because it called for action against this "evil" as something that could not go unchecked because it was an enemy and danger to all that was good. The problem for the scoffers, of course, was twofold: first, they have no answer for the horrific abuse humanity has brought on humanity all around the world, and until someone can give a better explanation for such inexplicable abuse, anger, hatred, murders and wars against each other, Reagan's charge is still on the table; and, secondly, to admit the presence of "evil" in the world, gives rise to questions about God, righteousness, responsibility and accountability. This is what the Bible is all about: there is One with whom we have to do. And, though treated either condescendingly or with contempt by some, God's word moves unstoppably and unapologetically across the terrain of this world, like hot lava flowing from a volcano, as truth to be reckoned with. And because these things are true, God's people can hope and pray with confidence and courage. They know that evil is not supreme nor is it impossible. It will always come up against the God who sees, feels, judges and acts. This is what David grabs on to as he deals with the evil that surrounded him and sought him. And what was true then is still true today: "The LORD judges the peoples...God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day. If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword..." (7:8a, 11, 12a). Therefore we can say, "I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High," (7:17).
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