Gerhard and Walther

In the same way that the First Commandment has a far-reaching effect and permeates through all the other commandments, so also idolatry permeates everything around it. And many a person is an idolator who does not think he is or intended to be one.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:30.

God created the fire that consumes our homes, the flood that devastates our fields, the murderer who turns his dagger into our heart, and even Satan, who seeks to destroy both body and soul and our salvation. However, it is the result of our sin that all these bring death and destruction. The truth remains: Nothing evil comes from God.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 417.