In this world, it may seem better to close our eyes and ears to the evil!  Horrendous evil struck Las Vegas and it fills the news and radio today.  Where is God?  Why?  What are we to learn? 

Here are some things to think about. God knows what will happen before it happens (Exodus 3:19).  God is able to prevent an evil from happening (Genesis 19:11).  It is clear from history and from the Las Vegas incident that God permits an evil action, but He also sets limits that it may not cross (Job 1:12; 2:6).  God also uses evil to bring about a good result for those who are his (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).  God knows and understands exactly what we suffer here on earth. Surely, God is good and His mercy endures forever and He does not will any evil actions (Psalm 5:4). 

Sin and evil, the causes of suffering, are a great mystery to us and much of it is hidden from us. However, Christianity understands the true nature of evil and its only solution; Christ crucified. The problem of evil was so serious that God sent His only Son to remedy the dire situation. Jesus knew what it meant to suffer; He was unjustly treated, He bore the evil consequences of sinful men, innocently, unto death.  The risen Christ has promised to return and upon that return there will be no more weeping, no more tears, no more pain or death for His people of faith. 

We live under the cross of Jesus.  We wait with confidence in Christ on the basis of what He has done for us – His death and resurrection and His return.  “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

May our prayers ascend for the many victims and may we stay prepared daily to meet our Savior.