In this world we live in, it’s difficult not to see and feel the weight of evil. Immorality, brokenness, wickedness, and human depravity are all around us and within us. Each of us commits evil and experiences evil. We are familiar with evil. Evil is a product of Satan’s work and goes against the righteous, just, and loving character of God. As we wait for Christ to ultimately destroy evil forever by throwing Satan into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10), how can we have peace amid the evil within us and around us?
Jesus is Greater Than Evil
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
the first prophecy of jesus
In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve had just sinned. Evil had entered the world. Shortly after, God spoke to the serpent embodied by Satan, who had deceived Adam and Eve. God made Satan a promise: “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This is the very first prophecy of Christ’s coming. This is the first mention of the gospel, the good news of Christ. On the worst day in human history, man’s relationship with God was broken, separating them from God and allowing evil to enter in. In the midst of this tragic, world-changing moment, a ray of hope shone through. A descendant of Adam and Eve would crush the head of the father of evil—Satan. This descendant is Jesus. To do this, Jesus would have to die a horrific death He did not deserve, which explains the “bruise” on Jesus’ heel. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus conquers sin, death, and evil—proving Himself greater than evil and crushing Satan’s head.
a merciful god
In today’s passage in Genesis, we also find insight into God’s first response to the sins of His people. Through this prophecy of Christ, He immediately made a way for us to restore our relationship with Him—to eventually be in His presence again forever. How merciful of God! He provides us with another chance, offering mercy and grace even though we do not deserve it. God’s response in this moment set the tone for the rest of history in how He would respond to sin. God provides a way for redemption through Christ. Praise God for His kindness and love for us!
peace in the midst of evil
In 1 John 3:8, we see the reason for Jesus’ appearance—to destroy the works of the Devil. In doing this, Jesus crushes the head of Satan. He restores our relationship with God by gaining victory over sin and death. We need Jesus to be greater than evil, to destroy evil, because we cannot do it on our own. He is our Protector, Defender, and Overcomer. With Jesus, we can overcome evil and be restored to Him forever. The prophecy of Christ in Isaiah 53 reminds us that the “bruise” on Christ’s heel brings us peace (v. 5). Remember and rest in this peace as we continue to live with evil and wait for evil to be destroyed forever upon Christ’s return.
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Daily Question
How have you seen Jesus overcome evil in your life?
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I have. Our neighbors growing up. Times i feel pressure to do things i am not comfortable doing, I can stand firm and Jesus makes it ok. And them he takes it from me so I don’t have to linger or worry anymore.
I struggle with spiraling toxic thought patterns that create an anxiety in me I didn’t even know could exist. I kept telling myself I was my own worst enemy and I just couldn’t stop thinking the way that I was. I would get mad at myself for thinking a certain way and then even more angry that I couldn’t control it. After continuous surrendering to Jesus and asking Him for help through these thoughts, I feel His presence and know these are *not* my thoughts and that through Him, I *can* overcome them. I have definitely not mastered this quite yet, but I know with continuous, honest prayer, Jesus will be right there with me.