The Evil Around Us - Mark 5:9

And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” - Mark 5:9

    In something I read recently the question was asked, “Why do such terrible things happen in the world?” The respondent answered by saying that the first thing we need to remember before we ask such a question is that ‘we live in a fallen world.’ We have to remember that the entire universe suffers from the fall and seeks deliverance. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” - Romans 8:22. As simple as that answer seems it is the truth and although it doesn’t assuage our feelings of sadness or hopelessness it does make the grasp of our plight in this fallen world a bit easier to understand but only on one condition. And that condition is our faith in God.
    We also need to remember that God has given this sinful world over to the devil as a kingdom and in his kingdom are his slaves and minions - “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” - 2 Corinthians 4:4. Is it any wonder that we see and experience such pain and suffering in this world?
    The daily anguish and misery we face here on this earth is indicative of the vast number of natural evils we are vulnerable to such as plagues, hurricanes, fires, and floods to mention but a few. Then we are subjected to the sinful thoughts, words, and deeds of Satan’s disciples. As we look about us - they are everywhere. Truly, they are ‘legion.’
    So it should come as no surprise to us that in this world we will have suffering but Christ has promised us that it will not always be so for His followers. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. How? You ask. Through faith in the one triune God of the Bible.
    Knowing that we are constantly surrounded by sin - both our own and that of others - we must comes to terms with the fact that there is no worldly remedy for our circumstances. Because the devil rules the world there can be no relief through the methods of this world. Only our faith in God can pierce the darkness. Without faith we are certainly a pitiful lot. “We grope for the wall like the blind; we grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight, among those in full vigor we are like dead men.” - Isaiah 59:10. This is one of the primary symptoms of sin in our lives. This is the mark of those who, without faith, are slaves to sin.
    It should not astound us when we see or experience evil in our lives. It is all around us. We should not be perplexed over the disasters and truly horrific events that threaten our world on a daily basis. Jesus even warned us that these things would ultimately happen but He also said that He prevails over it all. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. Jesus promised that few would enter the Kingdom of Heaven. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14.
    Truly, is there any doubt that Legion is many?