Scripture reading: Revelation 20:7–15

Evil, Evil, Evil

I have no reason to believe there will be music in hell. I really don’t think anyone is going to feel much like singing in a land where love is banished and hope non-existent. However, if the citizens of hell ever did decide to join their voices in song, perhaps when they gathered for their weekly service of satanic worship they might sing a song like the one below in honor of His Infernal Majesty. Unable to create their own melodies, they would be forced to borrow a tune they once heard in churches when they lived in the world above.

Evil, evil, evil! Majesty infernal,

Late at night we sing your might and lift our voice to thee. Dragon, Beast, False Prophet, blasphemous and vulgar, Perfect in darkness, cursed trinity.

Evil, evil, evil! All the damned will fear thee, Giving thee begrudgingly their life and liberty. Bowing down in terror, at your voice they tremble Chained by their passions, for their hope is gone.

Evil, evil, evil! Mystery enfolds thee

In your triune ugliness we see your awful plan.

Dragon, Beast, False Prophet, one you stand together, One in your purpose: war against the Lamb.

Evil, evil, evil! Though we are in torment

Yet we’ll praise you all our days and serve you, Anti-Christ.

We will do your bidding, though it’s our undoing, We’ve made our choice and now we pay the price.

Evil, evil, evil! Is there none to rescue

We who’ve lost our sanity and dignity and worth?

When on earth we wandered, other options pondered.

Why were we so deaf to hear the Gospel call?

Evil, evil, evil! Counterfeit in beauty,

Once we had another choice; we really should have known.

Here we pine in anguish, in these flames we languish, We’re only reaping what our lives have sown.

Evil, evil, evil! You we choose to worship

Though you hate us, though we know the things you say untrue.

Yet we’ll serve our master, though we loathe his presence, Here in this darkness, getting what’s our due.

 

The lost enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded.

—C. S. Lewis

 

point to ponder • When was the last time you heard a sermon on hell?

prayer focus • Those facing death who currently do not have the hope of salvation, but instead the hopelessness of hell.