Whenever disaster strikes most of us want to blame God.
Does God send punishment on a disobedient people? Most assuredly.
God does and will punish people for disobedience, as we read in the Hebrew Scriptures. But not everything bad that happens is a punishment from God or even an indication of wrongdoing. Many people get the two confused.
In my last blog I discussed Job…..he also wanted answers to his torment but God chose not to reveal the mystery of suffering. Just as well. I don’t think we need to know.
Suffering is a part of the human condition. No one escapes. Am I being too morbid?
This is the time of year when many are celebrating the joy of Christmas. We need this same joy throughout the year, but this particular time has been set aside by many as the date marked for the Messiah’s birth.
Can we expect suffering and at the same time rejoice? Yes, most assuredly.
In fact Paul tells the Romans (12:12)”Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”
Jesus’ birth brought joy…..the angels sang His birth, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men of Good Will.”
The early Christians and the Christian martyrs today….men and women of good will are suffering……..but there is joy in their hearts.
” Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”( 1 Peter 3:8)
Yes, there will be suffering…perhaps among one of us at this moment…. but joy is within us. Those who know the Lord know suffering but also joy.
AbideLines 