LENT WEEK 3: DAY 20

There is a wrong conception that flies around giving the impression that those who stand for evil are more in number than those who stand for good. I do believe it is so because the few who choose evil are outspoken and make more noise than those who stand for good. But reality points to the fact that there is more on the side of good than of evil. I want you to consider the scene of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and picture what happened in Pilate’s court and from there you will understand what we are talking about. At his entry into Jerusalem, Luke notes that his disciples were a multitude and the haters could not stop them (Luke 19:37-40). This is probably the reason why when he was led out carrying his cross, the women of Jerusalem wept for him (Luke 23:28), and a large number of those who knew him followed him and mourned for him (Luke 23:27). But what then, happened in Pilate’s courtyard? Where were they when he was condemned? It may have been that those who forced their way into the court to shout crucify him were the few who were brainwashed while the masses who loved him stayed outside. This is what happens often in our world. Note here that the text says a large number which means those on the side of Jesus were much more than those who hated him but while those who hated him took the lead, those who loved him stayed far off. Also note that the ones who mocked him were passersby who courageously came close (Matthew 27:39) and whose actions were momentary but everyone ignores the many people who stood at a distance watching and didn’t go away (Luke 23:49). Evil will always be momentary while Good is permanent and sticks around to the end. There is always more on our side than on theirs but most often we do not see them because they do not come out in the open until someone gets courageous enough to challenge the little evil group blocking the way. In this story of Jesus, you will note that while the little evil group came close to scorn and mock, the large group of good ones stayed far off. Simon of Cyrene who came close was fished out to assist Jesus and he gave in because he stood for good (Luke 23:26). No matter how loud the evil gets, there will always be that glimpse of goodness that will arise, and silence the evil. Among the numbers of the evil ones, are many undecided ones who are on the look to see if some good will come up so that they can follow. This is true of the Roman centurion who though in the number of the bad ones watched for a sign to cross the carpet (Luke 23:47). Many are they who are on the watch for a sign and once the good ones rise up, the multitude will join them and evil will be overcome. Do not be afraid to challenge evil, for it is your duty not to allow evil overcome good but to rather overcome the evil with goodness (Romans 12:21). You might not know, but we have a multitude on our side who though invisible to us at the moment are always ready to step in when the time comes (2Kings 6;15-17). We have multitudes of horses and chariots around us waiting for us to launch the battle. You must always remember that you have come to the gathering of thousands of Angels (Hebrew 12:22) who are on your side and always ready to intervene for the destruction of evil. Remember that the multitude that was with Jesus stood at a distance and I am sure they were waiting for a sign from Jesus to make their intervention. You have to remember that one with God is always majority and do not be afraid when you are going against a multitude (Deuteronomy 31:3-7). The Lord says to be confident, strong, and fearless when you face the powers of evil and their whole army because while they have just an arm of flesh, we have Yahweh with us and he fights our battles (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). Be confident that the ones on our side are always more numerous than those on their side and so do not be afraid when they attack. Rather arise and stand your ground and you shall be surprised how help shall come from all around and assist you. When the Egyptians rose against the Israelites, they were numerous and powerful but little did they know that there was more on the side of the Israelites than could meet the eyes. Once the battle was launched, Moses told the people to stand firm and be courageous and watch God fight for them (Exodus 14:13-14). Before the Egyptians knew it, a one-man invisible army was fighting them (Exodus 14:24-25). So it is, with all who stand for good against evil, the Lord from the background will fight back and help them overcome the evil. Be the one who stands against evil and be the one who launches the rising call for the good ones and repulses the advancing evil. There are a multitude just waiting for the ‘arise’ call to join the fight. Be that leader that blows the horn of battle against evil wherever you are and the Lord shall give you complete victory. Be confident, there is more on our side than on theirs. Let good arise and be victorious wherever we are.

In Corda Matris.

Resolution

I resolve not to be silent and allow evil to prevail.
I resolve to resist the progress of evil wherever I am.
I resolve to raise an army of good people and overcome evil dominion wherever I am.

Prayer

Teach me O Lord to trust and believe in your saving presence and in your mighty power to deliver and conquer. Give me enough confidence to fight the evil that arises around me overthrow their towers and destroy their foundations. Help me break the silence of good and destroy the noise of evil that fills the world.

Amen.