When Evil Shadows Our World

Why?

Yesterday’s shocking assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk left pundits and reporters searching for answers. Many are asking, “Why?” Others wonder out loud, “What is wrong with our country?” “With our world?” “And with the political rancor that divides our country?

This, of course, follows a story that has captivated the current news cycle of a young Ukrainian woman who was brutally murdered by a deranged career criminal while riding on public transportation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In addition, we have the heartbreaking news of young, innocent children being injured and some losing their lives in school shootings.

These senseless tragedies stir our hearts and cause us to ask, “Why, Lord?”

Our search for answers and sorrowful lament is not unlike the Psalmist of old who cried, “How long, O Lord?” (Ps. 13:1). God’s prophets faced the same dilemma as they experienced injustice, violence, corruption, and wickedness. Furthermore, Jesus’ apostles faced persecution, suffered pain, and even martyrdom.

While the world seeks to find answers by blaming society, the political atmosphere, gun laws, or mental health, the Bible reminds us that evil exists. Evil is not an illusion. Evil is real.

Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matt 15:19) He called the devil “the evil one” (John 17:15). And the Bible teaches that the devil can enter our hearts to commit evil acts (John 15:2). Of course, we don’t have to succumb to his enticements.

God created us as creatures of choice. We have the gift of freedom. However, that blessing can also be a curse when we choose to sin, to rebel against God, against His Word, and to engage in evil acts. Sin results in selfishness, sorrow, and suffering. Sadly, innocent people sometimes suffer the consequences of other people’s sins.

Let us also remember that God has not forsaken us to live alone in the darkness of sin. In fact, His plan for man’s redemption through Christ’s death on the cross was a dramatic confirmation and confrontation of evil. Jesus bore the burden of the evil devised by wicked people. Betrayal, denial, injustice, and rejection of God Himself sent Jesus to the cross. But he bore it all. For us. And for the sins of the world.

Through His triumphal resurrection over sin, death, and the devil, Jesus proclaimed that evil does not and will not have the final say. The paradox of the cross cries, “There is hope.”

While evil may seem to overwhelm our world, its days are numbered. The Bible promises that there is coming a time when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4).

While we wait, Christians are called not to despair but to let our light shine. As one writer admonished, “When hatred erupts, we answer with love. When injustice rises, we pursue righteousness. When despair threatens, we cling to hope.”

While the world is divided and points fingers, issues blame, and allows these horrific acts of violence to be politicized, let’s rise above partisan pettiness. There’s no room for Christians to post snarky comments on social because of our political views or dissatisfaction with the justice system or laws with which we disagree.

Instead, let’s show compassion. Emphasize with those who’ve lost a loved one, even if we disagree with their politics. Let’s weep with those who weep. Let’s pray for the Lord to heal our land. And let’s truly be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” It’s possible because He who said, “I am the light of the world,” still shines through the gloom, even in the darkest night.

“When the world is at its darkest, the Christian’s call is not to curse the darkness, but to shine all the more with the love, truth, and hope of Christ.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman