The Certainty of the End

Scripture: "A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found" (Psalm 37:10, ESV).

Sometimes, when we see the injustice and chaos in the world, it can seem like evil is winning. We see the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, and it is easy to grow discouraged. But as believers, we are called to look beyond our present circumstances and remember the end of the story—an ending that has already been written by God himself. The ultimate defeat of evil is not a vague hope; it is a certain promise rooted in the power and character of God.

The assurance of God's sovereignty 

Our confidence in evil's defeat is grounded in God's sovereignty. The Bible assures us that God is in control, even when it seems darkness is winning. He is the ultimate judge; promising vengeance belongs to Him (Romans 12:19). Furthermore, God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), demonstrating His power to use even evil intentions for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's story (Genesis 50:20). God's nature is victory, as "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).

The victory of the cross

The cross is the ultimate demonstration that evil will lose. Jesus' death and resurrection destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and disarmed the powers of darkness. Jesus declared, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), and His resurrection confirms this victory. Because Christ has won, believers are "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37), participating in His triumph through faith.

The promise of a new creation

God's victory culminates in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth without evil. Satan, death, and Hades will face final judgment and destruction. In this new creation, there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, as God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4), establishing a reality of everlasting joy and righteousness.

Reflection questions

1. What present evil or injustice tempts you to feel that God is not in control? How can you intentionally shift your focus to Christ's ultimate victory?
2. In what area of your life do you need to actively "overcome evil with good" today? (See Romans 12:21)
3. How does reflecting on the eternal fate of the wicked and the promise of a new earth strengthen your hope and resolve to live more righteously now?
4. How can you redirect your attention and intention to the things of God and do more in the future for the cause of Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the sure and certain promise that evil will lose in the end. Forgive us for the times our faith has wavered in the face of injustice. Help us to see your sovereign hand at work and to remember the definitive victory of your Son on the cross. Strengthen us to overcome evil with good and to stand firm in the blessed hope of your coming kingdom. We pray this in the precious and powerful name of our mighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.