The Worst Day That Saved the World
When you think of the darkest day in history, what comes to mind?
For the disciples, it was the day Jesus was crucified. Their Rabbi, their Hope, their Friend was betrayed by one of their own, condemned in a sham trial, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross — and murdered. Evil had done its worst.
And yet — that day became known not as “Black Friday” but as Good Friday.
R.C. Sproul wrote, “The most violent, evil act ever committed was at the same time the most beautiful act of God’s providence ever performed.”
This is the paradox of the gospel: evil is real — but God is sovereign.
Historical Context — Evil Under God’s Providence
Joseph’s story in Genesis 50 is one of betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and prison. His brothers sold him. Potiphar’s wife lied about him. The cupbearer forgot him. And yet, at the end, Joseph could say with faith-filled clarity:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” — Genesis 50:20
Centuries later, Peter stood at Pentecost and declared of Jesus:
“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” — Acts 2:23
In both cases, human sin was fully responsible — but God’s hand was fully sovereign. He didn’t author the sin, but He overruled it for His glory and His people’s good. God uses sin sinlessly.
Augustine observed, “God judged it better to bring good out of evil than to allow no evil to exist.”
Exposition — Holding Two Truths Together
We must hold two truths at once:
- Evil Is Real.
- The Bible never minimizes wickedness: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).
- Lawless men shed innocent blood — in Joseph’s pit, at Golgotha, and in every act of violence today.
- Jesus Himself called Satan “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44).
- God Is Sovereign.
- Not one sparrow falls apart from His will (Matthew 10:29).
- He declares “the end from the beginning” and accomplishes all His purposes (Isaiah 46:9–10).
- Even what the enemy intends for harm, God can bend toward His redemptive plan (Romans 8:28).
John Owen wrote, “There is not a drop of the most bitter cup but is of His own preparing.”
Watchman Nee added, “God will allow evil to come to its full measure that He might fully display His glory in overcoming it.”
Christ-Centered Focus — The Greatest Evil, the Greatest Good
The crucifixion is the clearest example of this truth.
- It was the greatest injustice ever committed — the murder of the sinless Son of God.
- And yet it was the very means by which salvation was purchased for all who believe.
D.A. Carson reminds us, “The sovereign God is never the author of evil, yet He is always in control of it.”
This gives us confidence: if God used the cross for His glory, He can use our present tragedies — even Charlie’s murder — to awaken His church, call sinners to repentance, and display the hope of Christ.
Personal Application
This truth must shape the way we think, feel, and live:
- Think Biblically: Refuse to believe that evil wins. Preach Genesis 50:20 and Acts 2:23 to your fears.
- Feel Honestly: It’s okay to grieve. Lament is not weakness — it is faith refusing to look away.
- Live Courageously: Don’t retreat into fear. If God is sovereign even over evil, we can speak the truth and take risks for His kingdom.
Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “The ultimate test of our faith is what we do when we do not understand why things happen.”
Takeaway Tasks
- Read and Pray Psalm 46 — Declare God as your refuge even when the nations rage.
- Journal Your Lament — Name the evils you see in your world and hand them to God.
- Encourage Someone Today — Share with a friend the truth that God can bring good out of even the darkest situations.
Prayer
Sovereign Lord, we confess that evil is real, but we rejoice that You reign.
Teach us to trust Your hand even when we cannot trace Your plan.
Help us lament with honesty, live with courage, and speak with hope.
Use even this tragedy to awaken Your church and magnify Your Son.
Through Jesus Christ, who turned the cross into a throne. In Jesus’ Strong Name, Amen.