Thoughts on the Boston Terror

Satan is a master of disguise. Scripture says he even masquerades as an angel of light. Particularly in American society, he has perfected the art of subtlety and sophistication. But he is still the devil—and eventually his nature to kill, steal and destroy comes out in stunningly unadulterated evil.

“The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10)

It’s like the old parable of the scorpion and the frog:

A scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back. The frog asks, “How do I know you won’t sting me?”

The scorpion says, “Because if I do, I will die too.”

The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the onset of paralysis and starts to sink, knowing they both will drown, but has just enough time to gasp “Why?”

Replies the scorpion: “Its my nature…”

Evil, destruction and terror is Satan’s stock in trade.  Eventually he has to reveal himself that way—it’s his nature.  So we should not be surprised at such things; in fact, we probably should ask, “why does this evil not happen more often?”

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (I Peter 4:12)

But the good news for believers is, while evil may prevail in this present moment—even rearing its ugly head in acts of senseless terror, as we witnessed this past week in the Boston Marathon bombing—Jesus will step in one day soon to set things aright. In the meantime, especially at moments like this, we must lean into what Jesus himself promised,

“I have told you all this so that you may find your peace in me. You will find trouble in the world—but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world!” (John 16;33, Phillips)

Don’t forget: Satan is always going to be Satan.  But God is always going to be God!

“When the Author walks onto the stage, the play is over.” ~C.S. Lewis