Mending the Soul, 1st chapter

First chapter –A wake up call regarding the extent and power of abuse.

Abuse is Predictable

Two factors:

1) Due to our fallen nature we are all prone to abuse. “Universal human depravity is displayed in widespread abusive behavior” (p. 16).

2) Another factor that makes abuse predictable is the role of Satan and his demonic legions. When the Scriptures call Satan “the evil one” it is using a phrase in greek which defines Satan as “the one intrinsically wicked who is not content to be corrupt in himself but must seek to corrupt others” (p. 19).

Repeatedly, the Bible describes Satan's work and influence in the world as one of abusive evil. Cain drew his inspiration from Satan, the “evil one” who was a butcher (physically abusing murderer) from the very beginning (John 8:44; 1 Jn. 3: 12). The most significant satanic title is found in Revelation 9:11, where Satan is called Apollyon (that is the Destroyer), the king of the demons. In this passage, Satan the destroyer sends out demons with scorpionlike tails to abuse and physically torment humans all over the earth. The Bible's teaching about the person and work of Satan makes abuse sadly predictable.

Abuse is Redeemable (yes!)

God is deeply moved by human suffering (Hosea 11:8; Mat. 9:36; John 11: 35) and is committed to heal and redeem the broken at the greatest possible cost (Ex. 2: 23-25; 12:1-42; Rom. 5: 8).

The incredible irony of the gospel for abuse victims is that Jesus suffered the most extreme form of physical abuse so that the broken could be healed (Is. 53: 5). When we understand the nature of the cross, it is amazing that we image our faith with a cross. The cross is the most powerful symbol imaginable of God's ability to heal and redeem abuse.

Paul experienced much abuse: slander, beatings, whippings, stonings, imprisonments. After enduring such horrible suffering he delared that through it all Christ was sweeter and stronger in his life (2 Co. 4: 8; 12: 10).

The Lord uses our brokenness in part to give us an opportunity for more fruitful ministry to others who are also broken (Rom. 8: 17; 2 Co. 1: 4-6).

Only the Crucified Christ can bring healing redemption to those who suffer the evil of abuse.

Thoughts:

The passages talking about Satan's power and influence are eloquent. Satan is the destroyer. He is ruthless and relentless. These thoughts are sobering. Yet we're on the winner's side! Father, give us courage!!

“The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.”—Luther

“The devil . . the proud spirit . . cannot endure to be mocked.”—Thomas More

Give me your grace, o Lord, to scorn and mock your adversary!

(By the way—as far as this author goes it is very evident to me that he is writing from the perspective before the fall, after the fall and redemption. He deals with important worldview questions: what does it mean to be human?, what is wrong with the world?)