The second half of the final petition in the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil,” (or “the evil one”) has three important implications: 

1. Jesus acknowledges that evil (and Satan) is real, and something Christians will encounter going about the Lord’s work. Paul writes to Timothy (3:12), “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

2. Christians cannot deliver themselves from evil, even though we often try. We do this by trusting too much in our competence and intelligence as we confront evil, or by trying to avoid evil out of ungodly fear, or by using our gifts and strength to escape, avoiding doing what the Lord wants us to do.

3. God alone delivers from evil. Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the power of sin, death and Satan. Despite being mocked, suffering, and feeling alone, Jesus knew his Father would not forsake him. He knew God alone delivers from evil, and now Jesus lives to intercede on behalf of those who repent of their sin and put their faith in his Lordship.

What then do we say about the evil that happens to people who love Jesus? Where do we see God delivering them? Jesus identifies with our grief, our pain,  and our weakness. He knows that submitting to the Father’s will is not always easy or pleasant - but it is good and right. This is why he teaches us to pray for deliverance. Moreover, even though the greatest injustice in human history was God’s only begotten son crucified on the cross for our sins, the story doesn’t end there! Satan doesn’t get the last word, God does! Jesus will one day return to make all things new, wipe away every tear, and finally deliver us, once and for all, from evil.

Application

1. As you go about doing the Lord’s work, bring your fears and your confidence to God. Don’t be hasty to avoid, or to confront evil - but learn to be in step with the Spirit.

2. Remember that God delivers us from evil. He works through people, the community of faith - so ask for help. Just as God gives us our daily bread through others, he too can deliver us from evil with the help of others.