Evil is irrational.
We’ve heard of senseless evil. Ponder the inverse; evil is senseless.
Horrifying images of the Nazi Holocaust force us to seek some rationale. None exists. Jim Jones duped zealous followers into mass suicide in a South American jungle. Explain that. Child abuse, in any form, defies justification. Sadistic dictator Saddam Hussein boasted belligerence against overwhelming odds. He met his fate on the end of a rope. Other evil despots throughout history, repeat the folly.
To make sense of the senseless, go to the source. Scripture points the finger straight at Satan. Upon examination, we discover that he and his depravity are played out in the theatre of the absurd. In Genesis, his power is derived, his scope limited, yet he insists to tempt. Though his defeat is pronounced in the Garden of Eden, he persists to tempt. Harassing Job, his attempts fail, but not for lack of effort. He met Jesus in the flesh; was trumped, yet would await another opportunity to pounce. Fully defeated on Calvary’s cross, still he does not relent.
Beginning to see a pattern?
In Revelation he is bound for a thousand years, only upon his release to resume his nefarious assault. He knows he will ultimately be hurled into the lake of fire forever, until then he continues his ravenous rampage. It makes no sense.! Evil is irrational.
When you confront a situation that reeks neath a shroud of debauchery, one which boasts hatred of God and everything pure: beware. When truth is twisted, light called dark, and dark called light, assume you are in a bad neighborhood. If you deal with someone who lacks conscience, besmirches decent values, and who knows no bounds to accomplish their purposes; watch your back.
You will not be able to reason with, negotiate a truce, or co-exist. Some simply do not play by the rules. Your sole hope is in the shed blood of Christ Jesus. There alone is ultimate victory. Yet, in the meantime we rely upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom to avoid, mitigate, and cope with evil. Somebody once said, “God sure gives the Devil a lot of rope.” “True.” Said another guy, “But He never lets go of the end!”
I wish I could offer more tangible hope. Fact is, we live in the real world where evil often has its day, and too often has its way. For now, I equip you with this solemn reminder.
Evil is irrational.