Sin and Evil

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by sin and evil in this world? The coronavirus, broken relationships, hurt feelings, substance abuse, mistreatment of ourselves or others, disobedience to authority, power struggles, selfishness, and death itself.  Some days, I begin to be overwhelmed by sin, and the effects of sin in this broken world.

Scripture writers can identify with us in the torment:

The prophet Habakkuk begins his prophetic book with these words:

O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? – Habakkuk 1:2

Similarly, David begins Psalm 13 with these words:

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? – Psalm 13:1

This week, we conclude the church liturgical calendar year and enter into a new year with the season of Advent.  During this time each year, we pause to recognize and remember that Christ IS coming soon.  With his coming an end to sin and all of its negative effects is coming as well for those who are in the Kingdom of Christ Jesus – fortunately – that includes you and me who believe and trust in Jesus!  Thanks be to God! Together as the church, we pray “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”

May you be comforted today with the promise and the hope that Christ Jesus is coming soon, and he will bring an end to all of sin and its terrible effects in this world.

Finally, meditate and pray today over this beautiful praise song, which reminds us of the glory of Christ’s return:

For further study:

If you would like more information on the study of the continuing of sin and evil in this world, the problem of evil and theodicy, check out these books:

• Peters, Ted. Sin: Radical Evil in Soul and Society. Wipf & Stock, 2006.
• Carson, D. A. How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil. Baker Academic, 2007.

For a previously recorded sermon by pastor Koenig on the problem of evil (Theodicy), click here: