Experts indicate that there are two million of these reptiles on the small piece of land known as Guam (here). Because of them the bird population has been devastated. OK, maybe my prejudice is showing, but, smiling looks aside, I think this critter is a pretty good personification of evil. Actually the smile adds to that evil image.Whether we are thinking of Brown Tree Snakes or other kinds of deadly evils, we tend to think that we are safe. In our home, in our office, in the space where the real me dwells, we assume that we are free of the influence of evil. The snake on the desk reminded me that this isn't so. Evil isn't only out there. It is in here. In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul described the reality of mankind's fallen-ness.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest (Eph. 2:1–3).
Note a couple of realities:
- There is a combination of forces and persons at work here.
- Some are external to us, the "prince of the power of the air," Satan, for instance.
- Others, like our basic nature and our lusts, inhabit the space that we call "myself."
- The implied reality is that we, by our own efforts, are powerless to escape the evil that surrounds and inhabits us.
As I write, some of the best and brightest are seeking to rid our island of this slithery invader. Others are helping preserve bird species that have been eliminated on Guam--often on islands where the brown tree snake has not yet arrived--so that they can be reintroduced once their reptilian enemy has been brought under control. In spite of the best efforts of these dedicated folk, the snakes may win. Evil is persistent.
In the bigger scene, though, a force far mightier than USA Department of Agriculture has promised that evil will not win in this world. Read Romans 8:18-39, and/or Revelation 21:1-22:6. For the moment, don't get hung up on figuring out the details, just rejoice in the victory.
It's Something To Think About.
discount for a while. Neither of us is done, but both of us recognize that our time to make a difference is limited. One way of maximizing that is to invest in those who still have a long time to be involved in active service. People ask me, "Are you retired?" I guess technically I am. I draw Social Security, the church where I was privileged serve as pastor for 40+ years gave me the "emeritus" title, I've been excused from any expectation that I'll participate in any athletic endeavors at PIU, and I'm comfortable with the old-guy personae. Yet, I'm probably busier than I have been in years. Clearly the focus of my activity, though, is not on what I can do; it is on working with others--equipping them to do good work long after I can't do anything.