Read Zechariah 5:5-11
Another interesting vision to contemplate, brought to us by the prophet, Zechariah. This time he sees a bushel basket full of wickedness. I love the creativity God uses to make his intentions known. He doesn’t just use words! So, what message did this vision bring to you?
Did you find it interesting that wickedness was personified as a woman? In chapter 17 of the book of Revelation, John sees evil as the “great prostitute.” Now I have a picture of that woman in the container! And then, out of nowhere, two women with long, graceful wings enter the scene to take the wicked one away into the clouds. Without any explanation, such a vision would be a bit unsettling. We’re not given much enlightenment either.
It’s not surprising that the land of exile for this wickedness is Babylon. That is the same evil nation God used to punish his people. That’s the place from where these nomads are returning home. Babylon is also used in other places in the Bible to represent evil.
We do know from other visions how God feels about the corruption and sin that is strangling his people. Evil is not just the bad things we do but it’s the power that motivates us to do those bad things. The power of evil must be eliminated and taken far away from us lest we be tempted.
If wickedness had been let loose from that container, it would have spread like a fungus or flesh-eating disease. When we encounter evil, in whatever form, we need to be strong and quick to put a lid on it! Thankfully, we have God’s help for this. He is the only one who has defeated the evil one.
I long for the day when evil will be banished forever. The Bible tells us how fearless evil is and bold when it comes to taking advantage of God’s children. We also know that before evil is no more, it will reign in this human realm corrupting innocent people.
While end times prophecies can be unsettling, we also know who is victorious. That is one story I’m glad I know the ending to before it happens. When I look around and see how societies’ morals are spiraling out of control, I take comfort in knowing that God wins. When his kingdom is fully revealed, we will be surrounded with like-minded, God-loving people who only want one thing—to praise God.
Now is the time for us to get more people on God’s team to enjoy this victory. Zechariah tells the story of how the wicked one is shoved into a bushel and taken away. If we listen to this prophecy, we know that evil will one day be eliminated. On God’s team, we join together to put evil in its place and stand on the truth.
Let’s pray. Lord, it’s getting harder and harder to watch the decay of our society. So much evil has infiltrated our schools, governments, neighborhoods, and families. I pray for protection to stand against and push that evil away. Help me to be loving to all in the process and love them like you love. Help me be patient while I wait for your return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
