Today is 6-6-06 and, for some, it is a feared day when evil lurks! Revelation 13 makes a reference to the 'the number of the beast, the number of a man, 666.' In the popular scenarios of the "End Times," that passage and the number refers symbolically to an evil world ruler, the Anti-Christ, who is a figure of awesome evil powers, under who power and influence millions suffer and die during the Great Tribulation at the end of the age. Historic Christianity interpreted John's symbolism as a reference to Nero Caesar, the persecutor of the Church, a terrible and cruel figure. Thus, under both interpretative systems the number is a potent emblem of evil.
Nearly every American, whether Christian or not, whether Bible believing or not, knows about 666 and the suggestions of evil and malevolence associated with it. The number is thought to be 'unlucky.' It is adopted by Satanists in their rituals. It shows up in the tattoos on the arms of rebellious teenagers attempting to shock their elders by declaring how 'bad' they are. People are continually reacting with fear to 666 when it shows up on credit cards, in addresses, and in other computer generated sequences of numbers.
Believer, we don't need to fear numbers! Superstition creates needless fear and causes us to work at eradicating evil all the wrong places. There is an Evil One, the Devil, about whom Jesus warns us. His work to resist and destroy God's work is real and demands our best efforts, as we empowered by the Holy Spirit, to establish the Kingdom of God as Jesus commissioned us to do. The father of evil delights in our readiness to caricature him with silly superstitions about numbers! When we worry about things like 666 showing up on a ticket, or in a credit card number, we do not see his real acts of evil. He is at work in this world today. That isn't superstition!
When I see the stories about young children who lives are terribly effected when they are molested by selfish men in the grip of lust fed by child pornography, I see the handiwork of the Devil!
When I see millions of refugees living in terrible fear of brutal rapes and murders in the Darfur region of the Sudan; that is Satan is at work.
When I see greedy drug dealers willing to traffic in substances that will addict and ruin lives, I see the Devil's presence.
When I see Christians in the grip of vehement hatred for people of another race or religion or sexual orientation, I see a diabolic deception from the master of lies!
Wherever I see a person giving all of his strength to acquiring wealth, or to chasing after sensual pleasure as the meaning of life, I see the shadowy leer of the Devil as he exults over another deceived soul.
Let's grow up in our understanding of evil. No more childish and reactive superstitions. Instead, let's take evil seriously and take up the Scripture's charge to us:
"Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." (1 Peter 5:8-10, NLT)
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A mighty Fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our Ancient Foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;Lord Sabaoth, (Sabaoth - "the Lord of the Heavenly Armies") His name,
From age to age the same,
and He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed, His will to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure, For, lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours, through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also.
The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever.
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Title: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Author: Luther, Martin
Copyright: Public Domain
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