The Rise of Evil

Good morning and happy Tuesday to all of you! This is Michele writing for you this morning. Thank you for being with me as we dive into God's Word. Are you ready to hear from the Lord? Me too! Please read 1 Samuel 22:3-23 with me. It's short but pretty intense.

Then the king said to Doeg, "You do it." So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests' families-men and women, children and babies-and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. (v. 18-19)

Lord, this seems a little unfair and way over the top! All because one priest consulted you for David and gave him food and a sword? Was it necessary for eighty-five men and their families to die for that? What had happened to Saul? He had become an evil madman.

Why would you let this happen, God? Why didn't you protect those who served you? One would think that there should be some sort of special protection for those who live their lives in service to you. It doesn't make sense that those who love you have to lose their lives while evil is allowed to flourish. Saul had become a very evil man and he expected everyone else to follow in his schemes. I was encouraged to read in verse 17 that Saul's own men refused to do the killing that he had ordered them to do. Someone needed to stand up for what was right. I also noticed that Saul didn't do any of the killing himself, he needed someone else to do his dirty work. What a coward!

But, God, you don't want us to develop a relationship with you so we can escape the evil in this world. You don't want us to come to you with the misconception that life will be easier that way. Some of the most long suffering people I know are very devoted Christians. As Christians we never have to suffer alone, you come along side us and even carry us when our own strength is gone. Coming to you is not a guarantee of all good things to come but it IS a guarantee of eternal life and the ultimate abolition of evil.

Dear Lord, keep our minds on the ultimate prize of eternal life with you. Fill our hearts with hope and joy and help us not to expect to live an easy and carefree life here on earth because we know you. Life is hard and as Christians the world does not side with us. Regardless of how the course of our lives may go, give us hearts that are wholly committed to you. We love you, Lord. Amen