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The English word “wicked” comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word “wiker,” which meant, “to twist.” Interestingly, a candle “wick” is called that because it is composed of tiny threads that are twisted. Just as string is weak enough to be twisted into wicks for candles, people can allow themselves to be weak enough to be “twisted” in their beliefs, thoughts, and actions.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word that is translated as “wicked” means “to be wrong by making trouble.” In the New Testament, the Greek word that is usually translated as “wicked” refers to “twisting” what is good into something that is immoral or perverted.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “There is no rest for the wicked.” For the longest time, I thought the phrase referred to physical rest. In other words, I thought it meant that the wicked were always so busy that they never had time to take a break.
However, the Bible passage from which this phrase comes reveals the true meaning.
Isaiah 57:21 (NIV2011)
“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
So, I was wrong in my understanding of the phrase. “Rest” actually refers to a spiritual rest, rather than a physical one.
I know some of you are thinking, “that’s not a very cheery subject for the last Sunday before Christmas.” Well, you would be right if there was no hope for the wicked.
Fortunately, there is…
Colossians 1:19-22 (NLT)
“For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”
Part of the good news of Christmas is that God can “untwist” the “twisted.” And…peace with God is available to all who come to him in faith and repentance.
Gratefully,
David Hulme
Senior Pastor