Finding Hope and Purpose Amidst Evil: Lessons from Isaiah at Roswell Community Church

At Roswell Community Church, we are diving deep into the book of Isaiah during this season of worshiping with whole hearts. As a church community, we are reflecting on how rest and worship intersect with a world filled with brokenness and frustration. Isaiah provides a profound message of hope to a people grappling with exile and the pervasive presence of evil—an experience that resonates universally.

The Perpetual Battle of Good vs. Evil
From childhood, many of us encounter the archetypal story of good triumphing over evil. Whether through classic films, historical narratives, or even personal experiences, this theme deeply shapes our worldview. At its core, this narrative reflects humanity's collective struggle against the pervasive forces of darkness. Isaiah addresses this universal reality, speaking directly to the Israelites as they faced exile—a consequence of their broken covenant with God.

Isaiah 63 offers a vivid, and perhaps uncomfortable, picture of God confronting evil. In the imagery of crimson-stained garments and a winepress of judgment, we see the seriousness with which God opposes evil. This passage reminds us that evil is not merely a collection of bad actions; it is a force actively working to thwart God’s redemptive purposes.

Confronting Evil: A Hope Beyond Ourselves
As modern believers, we often find ourselves frustrated by the presence of evil in the world—wars, injustice, human trafficking, and personal betrayals. How do we reconcile this reality with the promise of rest and purpose? Isaiah’s message points us to a critical truth: we cannot defeat evil through brute force or human progress alone. Our ultimate hope lies not in our ability to fix the world, but in God’s promise to conquer evil completely.

Isaiah’s vision points to three key moments in God’s redemptive story:

1. Past Victory: God’s triumph over the Babylonians and other enemies of Israel.
2. The Cross: Jesus’ ultimate victory over sin and death through His sacrifice.
3. Future Fulfillment: The final defeat of evil as described in Revelation.
   
   

These moments remind us that God is both our protector and our champion. When we confront evil, we must place our trust in Him rather than in our own strength.

Our Role in God’s Redemptive Plan
While God alone has the power to vanquish evil, He invites us to be agents of redemption in a broken world. At Roswell Community Church, this means stepping into places of pain and injustice with grace and purpose. Whether through partnerships with organizations like She Is Safe or The Drake House, or through individual acts of kindness, we seek to reflect God’s love and justice.

As followers of Jesus, our response to evil is distinct:

• Rest in Hope: Trust that God is actively working to confront and eliminate evil, both now and in the future.
• Act as Agents of Redemption: Engage in God’s restorative work, caring for the oppressed, seeking justice, and offering forgiveness.
• Expand the Kingdom: Live intentionally, bringing the transformative power of the gospel into every corner of our lives.
  
  

The Table of Redemption
Every week, as we gather at the communion table, we are reminded of the physical reality of Jesus’ redemptive work. His body and blood symbolize the ultimate victory over evil and invite us to participate in His mission of mercy. At Roswell Community Church, this act of remembrance reorients our hearts toward hope and purpose, even in the face of a violent and broken world.

As we live out our faith in a world marked by injustice, we are called to confront evil not with vengeance, but with grace. Through Jesus, God has shown us that true victory comes not through violence, but through mercy and forgiveness. As a church, we strive to embody this truth, standing as a light in the darkness and a testament to God’s redemptive power.