Day 25 of Lent 2020

Luke 22:24

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

Today is day 25 of the 40 Days of Lent reading plan. I hope everyone is keeping up with the reading plan. Lent is the 40 days leading up to the cross of Calvary. Walking this walk with each of you has been amazing. I’m sorry today’s devotional is a little late. My computer was updating and it took longer than I expected.

Today’s reading is on target – even for today. The disciples didn’t have their hearts in the right place – at all times. Do we? They wanted to know which of them was considered to be greatest. At times we get into disputes in the church – power struggles one might call them. We shouldn’t – we should all have our hearts set on serving the Lord. Yet at times we battle over who is in charge (Jesus is – right?).

(Side note: I heard that Prince Charles has the coronavirus. I’m praying for him and for the Queen. My wife and I have been watching “The Crown” and have gotten to appreciate the Queen. I pray for all who have the coronavirus and for the rest of us too.)

Overcoming Evil!

Romans 12:21

²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Evil abounds around us.  It is everywhere.  Scripture says that Satan is going around looking for someone to attack. 1 Peter 5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

We saw evil active during the attacks of 9-11 nine years ago.  We heard about evil as we were told about the sex-trafficking a few weeks ago.  We read about evil in the paper and hear about it on the news.

It is so natural to respond to evil with evil – in like kind.  If someone slaps you – you naturally want to slap them back.  If someone hurts you or someone you love – you naturally want to hurt them back.

But today we read from Romans – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Man – it is tricky!  We know that Satan is out there working through some people – bring evil to our very doorsteps at times.  We are told to overcome evil with good – to not allow evil to overtake us.

The best example of course is Jesus – who was beaten – spat upon – crucified – and didn’t retaliate – didn’t respond with evil.  Instead – Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who harmed Him (Luke 22:34).

Maybe – as we strive to be more Christ like – each day – we will better be able to model this passage.  I confess that I have trouble with it – and that is why walking the Christian life can only be accomplished by the grace of God.

I pray that God enables you – more and more each day – to overcome evil in your life – and in my life – by the goodness that God gives us.

How about encouraging us with some stories of how God has enabled you to overcome evil in your life by the goodness of God, given to you?

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.