e·rad·i·cate

There are words whose meanings can frighten or enlighten depending on the word’s context, such as the word eradicate.

Eradicate means to “destroy completely; put an end to.” “Obliterate.” “Pull up by the roots.” “To kiss it goodbye.”

The Old Testament doesn’t disappoint in the eradication department.  We barely start reading the book of Genesis when God says to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.” (Genesis 6:13)

By destroying both man and earth, God eradicated, or pulled up by the roots, the problem with the world.

If there were movies in the days of Genesis, this movie would have been called, “The Eradicator,” starring the Lord God Almighty.  

We are given examples throughout the Old Testament of God eradicating evil and defending both individuals and families who chose to serve Him.  It’s fascinating to read about the lives of those who lived for their own glory in comparison to those who lived their lives in surrender to God to bring Him alone glory. God was not shy in pulling up evil by the roots when necessary.

As we transition from Old Testament to New Testament we see, thankfully, that the One who sent floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life is the same One who sent His only Son to atone for the sins of the world.  Like Father, like Son. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and to eradicate sin once and for all with the sacrifice of His own blood—His very life.

The Innocent sacrificed for the guilty; the only solution for the world.

Jesus lived His life to fulfill the will of His Father; we are told to do the same.  Jesus both took away the sins of the world AND gave us the gift of salvation and of His Spirit.  If we accept His gift of salvation, we become dead to sin and alive to Christ.  This New Testament action movie would be titled, “Eradicator II.” A guaranteed smash hit at the box office for those who understand the implications had Jesus NOT chosen to be the obedient Eradicator.

In Hebrews, we are given a call to persevere: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” (Hebrews 10:36-39)

One day soon, the Great Eradicator will return for a final glorious display of power as He destroys Satan, the god of this age.  Satan and his world of evil will be obliterated, pulled up from the roots - thrown into the eternal fires of hell.

The final radical eradication by the Righteous Lamb of God.

Stay the Course…

Sheila