The title of this message may sound like the beginnings of the Buddhist religion, keep in mind at TNL we try to use a biblical view when looking at our world. So, think about suffering. We see a lot of it in our world. Every person has had loss and times of hardship. Look at Haiti and the devastation that has occurred there. Here are some questions I want you to ponder as we talk about suffering.
1) What is the origin of suffering?
2) Does God cause our suffering?
3) If God does not cause our suffering, why doesn't He stop it?
Let's take a look at the word:
Romans 5:12 (NIV)
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
So, that says to me that death and suffering entered the world when Adam and Eve first sinned, and suffering is the product of that sin and every sin since. I need to make one thing clear... I do not believe that natural disasters are directly related to the sins of the people who have to endure them. Likewise, terrorist attacks and other horrific events are not directly related to any sin other than the sin of those perpetrating the acts.
John 10:10 (Amplified Bible)
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
In this passage Christ is speak about Satan and about Himself. He refers to Satan as the thief. Christ gives his intentions for coming to earth. Because if this passage I think we must conclude that God is not the cause of suffering. In fact, evil and sin are the cause to suffering.
So if God doesn't cause suffering why doesn't He at least stop it. There are a couple of reasons for this. God created man to have free will. Free will is not limited to actions that can only affect the person committing the act. The effects of our decisions will be felt by us, our loved ones, complete strangers, and our environment. All of this is not to say that God refuses to step in on our behalf. God can and does protect, heal, and save those who give God permission to step in. Remember, Psalms 37:23, "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." And, Romans 10:13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Please not that the last passage did NOT say might be, could be, or should be saved; it said "will be saved!"
Revelations 21:4 (NIV)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
This passage refers to what God will do for us. In fact, this is the return to God's original plan. Death and suffering and pain were never part of what God wanted for us.
Thursday February 18th we're all going to meet and eat at PF Changs. If you have been to PF Changs before then you know how good this is going to be! We will met at the normal time 7:30pm. Let Chuck or Nicole Scrivner know if you are planning to be there. They will be making the reservations. You won't want to miss this!
