Why is it wicked in the first place?
Having endured the bogus trial of Michael Joseph Jackson until its culmination some six years ago (has it been that long?), and bracing for the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray several weeks from now, court cases loom prominently in the minds of loyal Jackson fans around the world. This is the very world that Michael wanted to heal. But, why is it in need of healing in the first place? It has to do with an ongoing court case that’s 6,000 years old!
Cause of Action: The universal issue appears to be whether the Creator is worthy of being worshiped exclusively as God. Ultimately, “Might Makes Right,” so Satan doesn’t seem to be challenging God’s almighty power or right to rule, just His “Godship.” (Romans 1:20, New World Translation) God’s Word contends: “Jehovah is in truth God.” (Jeremiah 10:10) Satan begs to differ. This universal issue has elements from both civil and criminal law proceedings.
Burden of Proof: “In most civil cases, a plaintiff wins by convincing a judge or jury by a ‘preponderance of evidence,'” says one law manual. It further notes: “In criminal cases the prosecution must prove a defendant’s guilt ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.'” Has the record of human history shown that there is a “preponderance of evidence” indicating man’s selfishness? Satan asks, “Can one say, ‘beyond a reasonable doubt,’ that man is inherently good?”
Garden Court: After Adam and Eve sinned God held court to get to the bottom of the matter. Having done so, he pronounced judgment on all guilty parties. (Genesis 3:1-24) Meanwhile, Satan has shown that perfect humans of both genders can be turned.
Satan Makes His Case: Prior to tempting the first human pair, Satan apparently turned angels against God. This could be why God stations an unspecified number of powerful cherubs at the entrance of the Garden. (Genesis 1:24; Revelation 12:7) Given Satan’s successful start–and with all the faithful angels watching in the wings–God, “the Judge of all the earth” (Genesis 18:25), decided to allow the Devil to fully present his case as he argues that humankind is intrinsically wicked, and that the faithful worship God for selfish reasons.
The record of mankind’s wicked activity over the centuries is pretty compelling. No wonder God implores the faithful: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” (Proverbs 27:11) Job did just that.
Job on the Stand: Particularly since the rebellion in Eden, celestial court sessions–relative to the course of human events–have taken place on a regular basis. (Daniel 7:9-14; 1 Kings 22:19-22) Not only divine law, but divine law enforcement is a component of these sessions. (Daniel 10:1-21) During one of these sessions, God proudly presented Job as a faithful example of one who worshiped Him irrespective of the trials Satan heaped upon the man. Satan had argued that Job was a faithful worshiper because God protected him. (Job 1:7-12)
The Jesus Factor: Because he had been successful in turning perfect heavenly spirits and earthly humans from worshiping God, Satan had no qualms about trying to get Jesus to worship him. But Jesus refused. (Matthew 4:8-10) Christ knew the issue of worship was at the heart of the charges against his Father.
Three Strikes: The first major court sanction again Satan’s followers was executed during the Flood of Noah’s day. The second major sanction against the Devil’s disciples will be at Armageddon. God will undo every wicked thing Satan did over the course of human history through a massive resurrection of both good and bad. (Act 24:15) After mankind takes a thousand years to reach perfection, Satan will be given his final opportunity to prove his point. Having failed, the third and final strike against him will be executed in the post-Millennial destruction of all wickedness. (Revelation 20:1-15)
Motion to Continue: Satan contends that God has helped and continues to help his worshipers. “This is unfair!” he shouts. “The faithful even have the record of God assisting his imperfect worshipers in the Bible.” So, before the third strike, the Devil filed a Motion to Continue when everyone’s perfect, and God won’t help them as in the past.
In the meantime, the faithful are encouraged to “worship the One who made the heaven and the earth.” (Revelation 14:7) In short, “Worship God.” (Revelation 19:10; 22:9) Be there when God really ‘Heals the World.’ Peace and blessings to all. Amen.
