When Evil Flourishes
Opening Prayer
Holy God, I thank You that You set the standard for what’s right and uphold the good in the world.
Read PSALM 58:1-11
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men? [2] No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. [3] Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies. [4] Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, [5] that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be. [6] Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions! [7] Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted. [8] Like a slug melting away as it moves along, like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun. [9] Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns- whether they be green or dry-the wicked will be swept away. [10] The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then men will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is David's complaint? How would he resolve it?We don’t expect to find such passages as this psalm in the Bible, and they can be a shock to read. Here the psalmist expresses deep violence and anger, describing unjust rulers as snakes, asking God to break their teeth and tear out their fangs, wishing they would melt like snails.
Yes, there is terrible evil in the world, and we don’t have to look far to see that. The Bible is not a neutral, “head-in-the-sand” kind of book—it faces evil head on, tells it like it is, as only God’s Word can. God is love and he is merciful, but he is not neutral about injustice; he will not allow evil to triumph.
When we reflect on the depth of evil that some inflict on others, and particularly those in positions of power—whether in the form of human trafficking, exploitation, rape, violence or war—it is with anger and passion that we should respond.
Apply
Reflect on your authority and influence. List three ways you might use it better. Ask God’s help.
Closing prayer
Lord, I pray for a heart that shares Your passion for justice and goodness. Help me make my world a better place.
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