Why Doesn’t God Do More to Restrain Evil and Suffering? Part 2

In order to understand this blog, it would be helpful for you to have read the previous one. 

 

Severe suffering seems unacceptable to us precisely because we are unaccustomed to it.

Susanna Wesley had nineteen children; nine of them died before they reached the age of two. Puritan Cotton Mather had fifteen children and outlived all but two. Ironically, the problem of evil and suffering seems worse to us who live in affluent cultures precisely because we face less of it than many people have throughout history.

I heard an exasperated woman at a restaurant table loudly proclaim that her Porsche had to be taken in for repairs and now she had to drive her Audi. In contrast I have met devout Christians in Africa and Southeast Asia who have endured famine, genocide, and persecution, yet smile genuinely as they affirm God’s goodness and grace.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

Imagine a set of people all living in the same building. Half of them think it is a hotel, the other half think it is a prison. Those who think it is a hotel might regard it as quite intolerable, and those who thought it was a prison might decide that it was really surprisingly comfortable. So that what seems the ugly doctrine is one that comforts and strengthens you in the end. The people who try to hold an optimistic view of this world would become pessimists: the people who hold a pretty stern view of it become optimistic. [1]

People who ask why God allowed their house to burn down likely never thanked God for not letting their house burn down the previous ten thousand days of their lives. Why does God get blame when it burns, but no credit when it doesn’t? Many pastors and church members have experienced church splits, feeling the agony of betrayal and disillusionment. But where were the prayers of gratitude back when the church was unified? Our suffering seems extreme in the present only because God has graciously minimized many of our past sufferings.   Continue at Randy Alcorn

Hurricane Sandy: After Landfall

Last night, Hurricane Sandy -- the largest Atlantic tropical system on record -- made landfall just south of Atlantic City, New Jersey, bringing winds up to 90 mph (150 kph), and pushing a massive storm surge onto beaches and shorelines. At least 12 deaths have been reported in the United States. These fatalities, when added to the previous toll in the Caribbean, leave Sandy responsible for more taking more than 80 lives to date. Millions across the Eastern Seaboard are now without power, and even more are struggling with rising floodwater. Sandy continues northward, now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, and those affected are now assessing the damage. Collected here are images of Sandy's aftermath, many from New York City, which suffered widespread blackouts and a record-setting high tide early this morning. See also yesterday's entry: Hurricane Sandy in Photos. [54 photos]

Fierce Tornadoes and the Fingers of God

Why would God reach down his hand and drag his fierce fingers across rural America killing at least 38 people with 90 tornadoes in 12 states, and leaving some small towns with scarcely a building standing, including churches?

If God has a quarrel with America, wouldn’t Washington, D.C., or Las Vegas, or Minneapolis, or Hollywood be a more likely place to show his displeasure? 

We do not ascribe such independent power to Mother Nature or to the devil.

 God alone has the last say in where and how the wind blows. If a tornado twists at 175 miles an hour and stays on the ground like a massive lawnmower for 50 miles, God gave the command.

• “The wind of the Lord, shall come, rising from the wilderness, and it shall strip Ephraim’s treasury of every precious thing” (Hosea 13:15).

• “The Lord turned the wind into a very strong west wind, which lifted the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea” (Exodus 10:19).

• “God appointed a scorching east wind” (Jonah 4:8).

• “God commanded and raised the stormy wind” (Psalm 107:25).

• “Even winds and sea obey Jesus” (Matthew 8:27).

But why Marysville and not Minneapolis? Why Henryville and not Hollywood?

God has spoken about these things. Consider three ways he addresses — all of us.

1. Job, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job’s ten children died because “a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people” (Job 1:19).  Continue at John Piper

The Disastrous Consequences of Heavy-Handed Leadership

I remember the evening with shameful regret. One of our leadership teams was experiencing some normal ministry struggles resulting in a period of disunity. Though the situation was not disastrous, you may not have known it from my response in the moment. In prideful pomp, I said some regretful words out of a heavy-handed spirit. Later, a brother graciously confronted me. I was amazed at the destructive leadership of which I was easily capable. At that time, God pressed upon me the danger of heavy-handed leadership. It’s subtle, all too prominent, often sinfully excused as “righteous anger,” and, if gone unchecked, will leave a path of carnage.

It is the unmistakable symptom of a kingly motive, looking for any way to build one’s little kingdom. No man is exempt from the intoxicating influence of a little power. Anyone is an easy victim to it. Power is a dangerous thing for a mere man to have; especially a young man new to ministry.

In his younger days, it’s possible that Peter made similar mistakes. Perhaps for that reason, God penned the mandate to future leaders: biblical leadership means not “lording it over those allotted to your charge” (1 Peter 5:3).

To “lord it over” carries the idea of “exercising dominion against someone, for example, to one’s own advantage” (Werner Foerster, TDNT, 3:1098), or, a “heavy-handed use of authority for personal enlargement that is seen in the desire to dominate” (D. Edmond Hiebert, 1 Peter, p. 305). The word is also used of the demon which attacked and “subdued” the seven sons of the high priest in Acts 19:16.  Keep Reading >>>

John Piper on the Supremacy of Christ in Calamity

My wife and I had the privilege of being at St. Andrews Chapel on March 27 for the morning service. We were truly blessed to be there and hear John Piper preach, and after the service to take a tour of the 40 acre property. 

The sermon is now available and I'm happy to post it for you this morning.

 

The message is available in audio and transcript HERE

The Significance of Natural Catastrophes (Part 1)

In recent years the headlines have reported catastrophic events from all over the world.  Earthquakes in particular have brought devastation to Sumatra, Pakistan, China and Haiti.  We wonder, “Where will the next earthquake hit?”  Those who have been exposed to the teachings of the Bible understand that these events have significance.  But what do they mean?  Are earthquakes “signs” from God?  Is God angry with men?  Is God punishing people because of their sin?

In order to interpret catastrophes (indeed to interpret all life and experience), we must view the event from the vantage point of a Biblical worldview.  A Biblical worldview rests upon the four pillars of Biblical reality: Creation, the Fall, Redemption and Restoration.  Earthquakes must be interpreted in terms of these four foundational truths. Keep Reading>>>

Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27: 5, 6

 

On Sunday afternoon I wrote an article dealing with the earthquake and tsunami and the resultant devastation in Japan, looking at it from a theological perspective. Perhaps you have read it here on the blog. 

I spent quite some time pouring over and examining every word, seeking to make the issues as clear and compelling as possible for those who would read it. I read and then re-read the article through a couple of times. Then I had the idea of sending it to a gentleman whom I have never met, but who has already become something of a good friend through the internet. I wanted him to look at the article I had written with fresh eyes, so to speak, and I asked for his advice on how to improve it or what I might add to it. I felt something might be missing, but I was not sure what it might be. Boy, was I in for a surprise! 

In that I have not got permission to mention my friend’s name here (he has no idea I am writing this), he will remain anonymous. However, after reading my article, this was his response:

“John,
I affirm everything you said…theologically.

My problem…and the problem I have with almost all Reformed and Calvinistic folks when speaking of these things is that we don’t evince a shred of compassion or understanding. We think playing the hard doctrine card is sufficient to address broken hearts and broken lives… and I’m here to tell you it’s not.

Until we learn to mourn with those who mourn and weep with those who weep, few will be attracted to the truth we have to share. Mix in some compassion and understanding… because I sense that you have great measures of both to give.

The article is good and sound theology…but it can be so much more.

Please hear me…I’m not trying to be critical of you in a personal way at all. I just believe you have much more to give…” Keep Reading>>>

Earthquakes

Pondering Christ

Adrian Warnock

Al Mohler

Cover Up?

The Gulf of Mexico and the Care of Creation

“Give us Faith So We’ll Be Safe:” A Theological and Pastoral Response to the Tragedy in Haiti

Responding to the Haiti Disaster

Does God Hate Haiti?

Does God hate Haiti? That is the conclusion reached by many, who point to the earthquake as a sign of God's direct and observable judgment.

God does judge the nations -- all of them -- and God will judge the nations. His judgment is perfect and his justice is sure. He rules over all the nations and his sovereign will is demonstrated in the rising and falling of nations and empires and peoples. Every molecule of matter obeys his command, and the earthquakes reveal his reign -- as do the tides of relief and assistance flowing into Haiti right now. Read the rest HERE

Disaster Relief and the Social Gospel

Hey Pat, Put a Sock in It!

Pat Robertson on Haiti Disaster
by burghnews

HT: Kim Riddlebarger