Evil Used for Good

Evil Used for Good

Christmas 2 T All Readings

INI

Ever since the Christ child was born, His life was fraught with peril. His poor mother couldn’t even find proper lodging to give birth, so Jesus was born in a barn, wrapped in cloth, and laid in an animal’s feeding trough. King Herod, insecure about his throne, wanted the infant dead. He sent the magi to locate the Christ-child under false pretenses, but they didn’t comply. Frustrated, Herod unleashed pure evil, ordering the massacre of all the male children in and around Bethlehem. The only way for this baby boy to escape was to flee to Egypt and wait for Herod to die. When it was safe, the family returned to Nazareth, a town of insignificance where the most significant man to ever walk the earth grew up.

What a tumultuous beginning to a life! From the start to the end, Jesus’ life was marked by peril. It began with Herod’s envy and murderous heart, and it ended with the high priest Caiaphas’ envious schemes leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.

It’s unfortunate, but such evil is present in the world. Evil preys on the innocent, killing the ones it’s supposed to protect to maintain power and luxury. It plots and schemes, and people willingly go along because “It doesn’t affect me.” And most tragically, when the world sees evil, it often blames God. People argue that if God is all-powerful and merciful, He should never have created a world with suffering. They accuse Him of being the creator of evil.

However, Scripture shows clearly who the creator of evil is. It’s not God. Evil entered the world through humanity’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve used their free will to disobey God, and every one of their descendants has followed suit. We’ve turned God’s beautiful creation into horrid man-made abominations of self-pleasure. Evil exists because we chose rebellion, not because God made the world flawed.

So why doesn’t God stop evil now? Throughout biblical history, He’s shown that He is willing and able to judge and destroy evil. He did so during the flood, destroying an unrighteous world. He rained fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that defied Him. He drowned Pharaoh and his army when they pursued His people. God commanded the execution of the Canaanites, who persisted in sins like child sacrifice. And He allowed His own covenant people to be conquered by Assyria and Babylon for their disobedience.

The Old Testament paints a clear picture of a righteous God whose justice against evil is unwavering and whose ultimate plan is to bring redemption and restoration to His people.  In the New Testament, we see something extraordinary: God’s wrath is satisfied in Jesus Christ. Instead of sudden destruction or divine punishment, God’s mercy and patience take center stage. The evil world’s decision to put the innocent Son of God to death brought about the salvation of all who believe in Him. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s judgment is delayed, giving humanity time to repent.

But does this mean God is okay with sin? Is He indifferent to the evil in the world? Of course not. God hates sin and its consequences. Yet, on account of Jesus’ innocent suffering and death, He is incredibly patient with us. As Peter says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Paul echoes this in Romans 2:4: “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.”

God’s patience, however, is not infinite. Those who remain in unrepentance store up wrath for themselves on the Day of Judgment. For now, though, God’s mercy gives us time to turn back to Him. He desires that all people repent and live.

Still, the question lingers: Why didn’t God stop evil from existing in the first place? Scripture doesn’t give a direct answer, but many theologians believe the answer lies in love. Love cannot exist without freedom. God didn’t create us as robots forced to love Him. He gave us free will, allowing us to choose obedience and love. Without free will, love would not be genuine. But with that freedom came the possibility of rebellion—and with rebellion, the reality of evil.

Evil itself isn’t a thing; it’s the absence of God, just as darkness is the absence of light. Humanity’s choice to live apart from God has created the suffering, despair, and hurt we see in the world today. Yet God doesn’t abandon us in our brokenness. From the moment sin entered the world, He had a plan to send His Son to save us. Jesus entered this sinful world, bore its worst suffering, and took all our sins upon Himself. He conquered sin, death, and the devil through His death and resurrection so that we, having repented, might be forgiven and join Him in eternal life.

We all experience the consequences of evil. Sometimes it’s the sins of others inflicted upon us, like abuse or betrayal. Sometimes it’s natural consequences of our own sins, such as health problems from gluttony or pride. And sometimes it’s simply the brokenness of a world groaning under the weight of sin. But for those who repent and trust in Christ, this evil is not eternal. God promises a day when He will wipe away every tear and end all suffering (Revelation 21:4).

For now, God allows evil to exist for a time, but He uses it to accomplish His purposes. Herod’s cruelty fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah’s flight to Egypt. Caiaphas’ schemes brought about the salvation of the world. And in your life, God can bring good out of the evil you endure.

Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” Suffering for Christ is a blessing. It unites us to Him, reminding us that we do not suffer alone. As Hebrews 4:15 says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So, choose your pain. Suffering is inevitable, but you have a choice: suffer for participating in the godless deeds of the world, or suffer for living a godly life in Christ. If we must suffer, let it be according to God’s will, doing good and entrusting our souls to His care. Rejoice, for godly suffering is not meaningless; it brings glory to God, for He’s able to use the evil of this world for His purposes.

In the end, the promise of God stands firm. He will destroy all evildoers and dwell with His people forever. Evil, sickness, and death will cease to exist. Until that day, we endure with hope, knowing that our suffering is temporary, and our salvation is eternal.

INI

Pastor Joshua Ralston