Post
by __id_1679 » Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:30 am
Paidion,
Quote: " I recall that I used to say that if God eliminated suffering, He would have to eliminate free will (since man would be prevented from hurting his fellow man). However, man also suffers, not only from other men, but from disease, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, etc. So we could also ask why God allows these "natural disasters" to cause suffering. Does he do it to punish, as some claim? I don't think so. Those who suffer from such disasters are "no worse sinners" than anyone else as Jesus said. [Luke 12:4] "
That there is suffering, whatever the cause, I think should be considered in the light of God's justice. I think Jesus had this in view when He said what He did in Lk 13:1-5. The primary cause of death is couched in the justice of God upon sin. The degree of sin as in the example of Jesus comment in the Luke passage is moot. Death comes to all eventually regardless of the means or degree. IMO, to paraphrase what Jesus said; look, don't concern yourselves with the reason these people died. The fact is your'e all going to die. And if you want to have any hope in the age to come, you better repent and believe!
There is another consideration. Is 57: 1. Sometimes the "righteous" are taken away to be spared from evil. Sometimes God is taking people out because of His mercy.
This leads me to an event in my experience that relates to our discussion.
I had a friend named Benny. Benny was what many would call a "super Christian", although he would never describe himself as such. He lived out his faith before all men. But he had some serious struggles in his faith as we all do from time to time. His went deeper than most. We talked about it. We wept together and prayed for God to give him peace over "his thorn in the flesh". He was raised in the church and was an ordained pastor, mainly with the youth. He really shined with kids. He was a pretty good musician as well. He was the kind of guy who would give you anything you needed if it was in his power to do so. I can't say enough good things about him. He was a model Christian. Benny was really loved by a lot of people.
One afternoon, he was returning from his grandsons bithday party. It was pretty stormy with a lot of rain. As Benny was coming around a curve in his truck, an old oak tree fell upon the cab . He was crushed inside the cab and died instantly. Now this tree had been there for over 100 years. Millions of people have driven the same route past that tree with no incidents. IMO, Benny had his prayer answered. He is at peace with the Prince of Peace. But, many thought otherwise. Some thought God was unfair. Some peoples faith in God was diminished by the death of such a "good" person.
Benny "suffered" many things in the course of his life. He was a Godly man who struggled with his faith. He "wrestled" with God on many occasions.
Was his suffering without purpose? Did he die an untimely death? Was there some sin in his life that God chose to end his life?
Food for thought.
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