The Reason for Suffering To go back to the Preaching Home Page Click Here.
THE QUESTION OF SUFFERING has often exercised the minds of thinking
men and women, when they examine the anomalies in life. The real answer
is not understood by most people. Some see suffering as the unjust punishments
of a disinterested God, who allows His creation to experience unspeakable
traumas without reason - and therefore turn from religion to seek their
own solutions to life. Others believe in fatalism, assuming that every circumstance
in life is pre-determined, and cannot be altered; that we are the unhappy
victims of a vengeful Deity. Others again refuse to seek for reasons, and
prefer to indulge in an endless pursuit of personal happiness, hoping that
nothing untoward will happen to them. A few look seriously at the facts,
and discover the real meaning of life.
In this booklet, we set out the divine solution to the question of suffering.
We show that God cares about His creation, and desires that men and women
understand the purpose of suffering, and take steps to put themselves under
His guidance. Such a wise decision may not avoid suffering, but it will
show the reason for it, and the way that we can spiritual benefit thereby.
We face many anomalies in life. The Bible teaches that an all-wise, almighty
Creator formed the marvelous universe in which we live by His infinite skills
of wisdom, foresight and care. Yet humanity experiences continual difficulties,
stresses and troubles. Families suffer through disease, disabilities or
death. Often, through no fault of their own, individuals face times of trauma,
as they try to grapple with the question as to why they suffer.
There is a reason for the suffering that is indigenous to human life. It
is part of the present state of things, not caused by the design or purpose
of God, but by the folly of mankind in the very beginning of history - and
perpetuated, in many cases, by the foolish actions of an ignorant and disobedient
world.
Yet, out of trying circumstances that might pressure our life, there is
great benefit in suffering, pain and difficulty, if we are prepared to understand
its cause and effect. The article herein is designed to provide a knowledge
of the divine plan and to explain some of the perplexing questions of life.
The Reason for Suffering
In the beginning, when God created man He provided ideal conditions, unmarred
by the terrible incidents of disease, injury and disaster that plague society
today. Adam and Eve were in an environment in which the evils of pollution
and crime were unknown, and where violence and death were not experienced.
It was a paradise, called "The Garden in Eden" (Genesis 2:8),
in which were found all the joys of an ideal habitat, the opportunity for
personal enjoyment, and the blessings of a life free from concern or anxiety.
The Bible says that "God saw everything that He had made, and, behold,
it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).
It was not long before that idyllic scene changed. The wife whom God formed
for Adam was tempted by the suggestions of a vocal serpent (ch. 3:1) to
disobey the clear instructions of Almighty God, and to taste the fruit of
a forbidden tree in the midst of that delightful garden. God had given a
commandment concerning that tree in order to test the obedience and fidelity
of the human pair - as to whether they would remain faithful and loyal to
His law, or whether they would introduce disobedience and sin into their
experience. The failure to respect that law would result in death (Genesis
2:16-17).
Adam and Eve failed to challenge and refute the suggestion of the serpent.
They took the fruit, ate it, and brought upon themselves and their progeny
the consequences of their sin.
Why Sin Brought Suffering
God's righteousness required that the sinful pair be punished, and they
were thereafter to experience difficulty and distress in life. They had
to learn that none can reject the clear instructions of God with impunity.
None can act as though God's law might be ignored or disobeyed - without
experiencing the results of their actions and the judgment that inevitably
follows.
Adam and Eve had to learn that God requires obedience; that only when His
ways are followed, joy and happiness
can be enjoyed. The pleasure they experienced from partaking of the forbidden
fruit was only momentary. The excitement of sin was soon dimmed by the realization
of its result.
The angel that met them in the Garden revealed the judgment of God against
the man, woman and serpent.
The serpent, whose advice had caused the sin, was told: "Because thou
hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast
of the field: upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all
the days of thy life" (Genesis 3:14). The woman was told: "I will
greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception: in sorrow thou shalt bring
forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule
over thee" (verse 16). Finally, the man was told: "Cursed is the
ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy
life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt
eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust
thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (verses 17-19).
A change occurred in the condition of creation. No longer was it "very
good" (Genesis 1:31), with all creatures dwelling in harmony with God's
laws, enjoying the wonderful benefits of Paradise, with the human pair finding
pleasure in doing God's will. Now creation was marred by the effects of
sin. Affliction, anguish, hurt and decay was to be the experience of mankind.
But who caused this change of condition? It was the decision of Almighty
God, but He did not cause it. He had earlier told Adam that if he were to
disobey the clear instructions of the divine law, he would suffer. Adam
and Eve had brought upon themselves the awful results of transgression.
Their own foolishness brought sin, suffering, disease and death into existence.
There was no one else whom they could rightfully blame for the difficult
situation in which they were now found.
And the whole of creation suffered with them, for their sinful action affected
everything about them. The earth no longer brought forth abundantly the
fruitful blessings of choice harvests. Instead, "thorns and thistles"
replaced the beneficial produce of Paradise, and disease and death entered
into the story of humanity.
Thus, man's disobedience had introduced into the arena of God's work the
cause of all the suffering, evil, bloodshed, disease, anger, impediments,
and inequities that the long and sad history of the world ever since has
witnessed. It was all the result of human failure in the beginning.
A World in Chaos
Today, the result of six thousand years of willful rebellion against God
is clearly evident. Instead of improving his condition, by the careful observance
of God's instructions, mankind has wantonly con tinued in the sinful path
of his forefather. It is not God's fault that so many terrible and sad incidents
occur. He does not force us to act against His will, displeasing His righteous
character. In fact, the Scriptures indicate that mankind generally is determined
to oppose the wisdom of God: "Because sentence against an evil work
is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully
set in them to do evil" (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Again: "There is
one event unto all; yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil,
and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to
the dead" (ch. 9:3). The wise man Solomon, who wrote those words, observed
that, notwithstanding the presence of God's laws found in His Scriptures,
mankind chooses to perpetrate evil, and to indulge in continuing wickedness.
He does that, not only to his own hurt, but to that of all who are affected
by his actions.
The world is full of evil-doers. Even those who think that they are morally
good, who endeavor to benefit their fellowman and are prepared to sacrifice
their own pleasure that others might profit, do not please God if they refuse
to heed His Word, the Bible, or seek to change the meaning of the divine
instructions. Should we wonder at the presence of evil and suffering when
humanity despises the very means of its solution?
So the story of suffering continues to mar the pages of history. Ignoring
the advice of God, the nations persist in warfare, driven by the lust for
power, inflicting bloodshed, injury and death, with misery, homelessness,
devastation and disease following in its path. The mental and emotional
conflict in the hearts of those affected continues for generations, and
so history repeats itself.
Then there is the incident of disease: terrible blights can move through
the cities and towns of nations.
The Black Death swept through Europe from AD 1347 to 1349, ravaging
families with a combination of bubonic and pneumonic plague - which was
followed over the next fifty years or so by repeated outbreaks, making rapid
recovery almost impossible, and further exhausting a population already
on the verge of starvation.
What caused this devastation? It was caused by the bite of an infected rat
flea, and was aggravated by the lack of sanitation and cleanliness. The
careless and inadequate hygiene of the people during those times and the
unhealthy conditions of life caused the effects of the plague to continue
long afterwards, and extended the sickness through Europe and Asia.
Modern diseases are just as devastating. Stress, heart failure, cancer,
the increase in mental illnesses, respiratory ailments due to pollution,
and such curses upon humanity as AIDS, brings trauma and distress even to
innocent families and communities. God did not cause the Black Death,
nor does He infuse AIDS upon the present generation. It results from
the waywardness of man, suffering the conse quences of sin.
Then there is the incident of severe disabilities that can occur at birth.
Why should some innocent babies be inflicted with terrible deformities,
and face a life of tragedy, bringing distress to their parents and difficulty
to themselves? Is it God's fault that such abnormalities occur from time
to time? Cer tainly not. There are hereditary laws which govern our physical
condition, and which can be upset by abuses such as alcohol and drugs; internal
injuries may affect the unborn - accidents can happen to any one at any
time under the present conditions of sin, disease and death; thus, "time
and chance which happeneth to all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Why Does Not God Intervene?
But, say some, God could remove all these dreadful circumstances. Certainly,
He could. But if He did so without reason and purpose, providing sinful
mankind with every blessing and benefit without restriction, He would never
accomplish His ultimate purpose which is to produce a people "for His
Name" (Acts 15:14), and to teach mankind the wisdom of His ways.
Without an understanding of God's Word, men do not acknowledge divine instruction,
and are not prepared to accept God's teaching. They will not naturally follow
the way of righteousness. The prophet Jeremiah declared: "The heart
is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can
know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Jesus declared: "For from within,
out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,
murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil
eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within,
and defile the man" (Mark 7:21-23). These evil characteristics are
the cause of much of humanity's suffering. A society that throws off the
restraint of the Scriptures, causes the glaring injustices against their
fellows which are so evident today. If God were to remove all the causes
of suffering from society, He would open the floodgates for personal gratification,
complete ruthlessness and selfishness, threatening the destruction of all
His creation by those who see no need to honor God, and His ways. It would
be a self-centered, spiritually-shallow civilization.
The Bible invites us to separate from such a society; to recognize the evil
condition of life about us; to acknowledge that we are no longer "very
good" , but inherently "desperately wicked", and
therefore to seek for the means to raise ourselves above the slough of sin,
and seek for righteousness.
The Bible is the key to such a positive attitude. It clearly shows the way
in which men and women can find real satisfaction in life, and obtain answers
to the perplexing questions that otherwise seem to have no solution.
The Benefits of Faithful Suffering
Notwithstanding what has already been said, it is a sad fact of life that
the righteous suffer. Men and women, who endeavor to worship God in the
right attitude and in truth, often find themselves subjected to the opposition
of others, or to circumstances of great trial. Why should God permit even
His own beloved people, who wish to do good, to suffer the hurtful effects
of evil? It is for their personal spiritual development, and to help others
to understand the reason for suffering.
The Scriptures tell of a man of great wisdom and righteousness. His name
is synonymous with suffer ing, even today. The phrase, a Job's comforter,
describes one who aggravates a person's distress under the pretext of comforting
him. Job, the Bible says, was a servant of God, and "there is none
like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God,
and escheweth evil" (Job 1:8). One would imagine that he, at least,
would be protected by the God he served, from the evil experience of suffer
ing. But it was not to be.
The sincerity of Job was challenged by an antagonist called "Satan"
(verse 6). The Hebrew word simply means an adversary, opponent,
or antagonist. It often describes an enemy, such as was the apostle
Peter to the Lord Jesus on one occasion (see Matthew 16:23), or to the ruling
powers of man kind (Luke 10: 18), or to disease (ch. 13:16), evil thoughts
(John 13:27), difficult circumstances (I Corinthians 5:5), or society itself
(I Timothy 1:20).
In the case of Job, the Satan was obviously a jealous member of the
community of the faithful who had associated together for worship (Job 1:6).
He claimed that Job's righteousness was only the result of the blessings
that he had received from God; that if Job were to suffer privation and
distress, he would turn from God and "curse Thee to Thy face"
(verse 11). This was a false accusation, both against Job, the faithful
servant of God, and against the Almighty Himself - as though God was unjust
in the bless ings He gave.
God saw that there would be benefits gained by Job personally, and by those
like him in every age, if the matter was put to the test. God gave authority
to the antagonist to put Job to any test except that of death: "Behold,
all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine
hand" (Job 1:12). The angels of God were permitted to follow the instructions
of the antagonist, for angels are "minister ing spirits sent forth
to minister to those who are heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). It
was to be part of the development of Job that he experience acute suffering,
and therefore the angels were employed to that end.
The great test began. Would anguish, extreme trial and distress cause the
faithful Job to turn from his worship of God? Would his outstanding obedience
be forgotten under the pressure of extreme suffer ing? Job was to experience
severe affliction at the hand of his opponent.
Job chapter 1 records what happened. His oxen and asses were stolen, his
servants slain by the sword, his sheep destroyed by fire, his camels were
taken by enemies. Finally a great whirlwind struck his house, and killed
his sons and daughters. Such experiences might surely turn anyone from belief
in God! Sometimes those who have suffered severe trials complain that God
has left them destitute, and they turn from Him in bitterness. But Job was
not of that character. Even in the face of such terrible devastation, he
"arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon
the ground, and worshipped", and said, "Naked came I out of my
mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the
LORD hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the LORD". The Bible com
ments: "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly"
(Job. 1:20-22).
Wisely, Job did not condemn God for the losses he endured because he realized
that all he possessed came from God and belonged to Him. We must avoid condemning
God for any trouble that might come our way, which may, in fact, be His
means of perfecting our character, preparing us for the greater purpose
He has in store for faithful worshippers.
The following chapters in the Book of Job describe the additional trials
that he had to face. Not only were his possessions and family affected,
he was overcome by a most painful affliction. He suffered "sore boils
from the sole of his foot unto his crown" (ch. 2:7). He had excruciating
itches as the boils burst all over his body. He scraped himself with a potsherd
to seek some relief, but in vain. Absolutely destitute of children, rejected
by his contemporaries, he sought for solace on an ash-heap outside the city.
Friends came from afar to commiserate with him, but could offer only their
own immature and wrong conclusions. For, ignorant of the test of faithfulness
that was the cause of Job's misfortune, they condemned him for unrighteousness.
They suggested that he was a great sinner, and that the trials he faced
were divine punishment for some unrepented crimes. But that was not so;
the experiences were the result of the jealousy of the Satan-member of Job's
community. Indeed, both at the commencement of the story, and at its conclusion,
God declared His pleasure at the upright character and consistent behavior
of "His servant Job" (see ch. 1:8; 42:7-8).
All the same, Job was perplexed at the reason for his suffering. He did
not have the benefit of knowing the end from the beginning, and was unaware
of the accusation made by the Adversary. We now have the story of his life
to read and ponder and thereby come to realize the purpose of God in suffering.
Job did not have this advantage; his experiences were recorded as an example
for the benefit of others. His patience shows that suffering does not have
to destroy a man's faith; in fact it can strengthen it, by directing him
to the source of true comfort: Almighty God.
But, for a time, Job felt that he was estranged front God: "Oh that
I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat"
(ch. 23:3). His cry to God for relief seemed to go unheeded. He did not
realize that a certain time was to elapse before God would answer, and reveal
the true purpose of the matter. The same situation can face us, when we
have to wait for God to solve Our problems - seem ingly praying in vain.
This is not so, for God will answer prayers in His own time and according
to His infallible wisdom.
Ultimately, when it was established that Job would remain faithful to God,
even though he was sub jected to intense anguish, perplexity and personal
discomfort, the test concluded.
For his faithful endurance in the light of such suffering, Job was greatly
rewarded: "So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than
his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels,
and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses" (ch. 42:12).
The complaint of the jealous adversary (Satan) was answered in the
divine goodness that was granted to the patient Job. Job was vindicated
and his opponent was discredited.
Job's example sets the pattern from which later generations would learn.
Realizing that there is a purpose in suffering, and that the "latter
end" of life will greatly compensate any present disability, faithful
men and women are encouraged to continue patiently under the trials of the
present. So James later declared: "Take, my brethren, the prophets,
who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering
affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure.
Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of
the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (James
5:10-11). He explains that though, for various reasons, a faithful man might
have to endure difficulty and suffering, the ultimate destiny is glorious.
Job's "Latter End"
God has promised that faithful men and women will be granted immortality
and inherit glory and honor at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter
speaks of "great and precious promises" contained in the
Bible for those who diligently seek them (2 Peter 1:4), stating that "by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped
the corruption that is in the world through lust". It was for that
reason that Job submitted to the indignities and bitterness of his trials.
Even in the midst of his great sufferings, he prophesied of better days
ahead: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall
stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy
this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:25-26).
His belief was in a physical resurrection from the grave. Though he might
die, and "worms destroy his body", yet he anticipated a literal,
corporeal resurrection: "in my flesh shall I see God". Job expressed
confidence in the divine reward that would be his at some time in the future,
when "the redeemer" would come.
That same reward is offered to those today who are prepared to worship God,
not withstanding what ever difficulties come their way in life. Paul says:
"It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall
also live with him; If we suffer, we shall also reign with
him" (2 Timothy 2:11-12). To be "dead" with Jesus Christ,
is to be baptized into his name. Baptism performed by total immersion into
water, as taught by Scripture, is a symbolic death; an identification with
the crucifixion of Christ (see Romans 6:3). It is the means by which a believer
is introduced to a Christ-like way of life, and stands in hope of eternal
life at the coming of the Lord.
Paul refers to the possibility of suffering that would follow baptism -
and a faithful life in Christ represents
a challenge to the attitude of society generally. The suffering that comes
from discipleship might include physical persecution, as was occasioned
against believers in times past, or it might be in the form of antagonism,
ridicule or rejection from one's contemporaries, as sometimes occurs today.
Whatever form it might take, it strengthens faith and conviction, and identifies
a believer with his Master.
Jesus Christ:
Though he did no sin, nor cause injury to any, Jesus Christ suffered greatly
at the hands of evil men. It was prophesied of him that "he is despised
and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,
and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed
him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows"
(Isaiah 53:3-4).
As the Son of God on earth, Jesus went about "doing good" to all,
healing sickness and teaching truth (John 18:20). But, driven by jealousy
and bitterness (like the Satan in the days of Job), the leaders of
his nation brought him to an illegal trial and had him convicted on false
charges. He was scourged, beaten savagely, and ignominiously crowned with
a band of thorns roughly thrust on his head (John 19:1-2). He suffered at
the hands of godless men who hated him because his righteousness was a living
rebuke to their wickedness.
Why should a sinless man be subjected to such unwarranted suffering and
persecution?
His death was according to the "determinate counsel and foreknowledge
of God" (Acts 2:23). He had to die to show that God was righteous imposing
the death sentence upon mankind for sin, and, being himself morally sinless,
Jesus rose from the grave, opening the way for us to follow his example,
in hope of eternal life at his return from heaven (Acts 1:11).
The crucifixion of Jesus revealed the wickedness of men on the one hand,
and the willing obedience of the Son of God on the other. The Lord refused
to conform to the way of life about him, and therefore provides a wonderful
example for those who are prepared to stand aside from society, even though
it may result in difficulties and opposition.
Consequently, out of the sufferings of the Lord great benefits have come
for those who would seek God in truth.
Through his sufferings Jesus developed a fellow-feeling with those he came
to save. Thereby he could understand the effect of suffering on his disciples,
and identify with their difficulties and feelings. Paul explains that Christ's
work as a faithful high priest, achieving reconciliation for the sins of
the people, is based upon his experience of agony: "For in that he
himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that
are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). Again, he has "compassion on the
ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also
is compassed with infirmity" (ch. 5:2).
In our moments of suffering, we are taught that others have experienced
similar, and sometimes even greater, trials. Such experiences develop in
the human character the important priestly qualities of empathy and compassion,
by which we are strengthened to triumph over difficulties, and can encour
age others likewise.
Is Suffering Necessary?
The qualities that Almighty God seeks in His creatures, are summed up in
Galatians 5:22-23, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance". These characteristics
are not natural to us; they only come by development. Instead, we are born
with the selfish desires of flesh. These are uppermost in our consideration,
and in most people remain the prime force of their lives.
But God wants to change that, and the means employed are often trial
and sufferings. A person becomes more thoughtful, considerate and understanding
as a result. Paul says: "they that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24). The apostle
speaks not of physical crucifixion - an agonizing death - such as that to
which the Lord Jesus was subjected. How ever, symbolical crucifixion is
required of faithful believers. In rejecting the ways of the flesh, and
the inordinate will of personal desire, they, in effect, bring their feelings
and emotions under control, and restrict them to conform to the will of
God. Therefore, the Bible exhorts us: "Let us not be desirous of vain
glory, provoking one another, envying one another... but if we live in
the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians
5:26,25). To "live in the Spirit" is to believe the precepts found
in the Word of God, which is the Spirit of God (l John 5:6); therefore to
"walk in the Spirit" is to put those principles into practical
application.
It might bring opposition and ridicule from others, but the Bible encourages
us to remember that "if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy
are ye". To suffer for Christ is to live in conformity to his laws,
and to await the day when he will reward those who have faithfully obeyed
him.
Indeed, the apostle Paul taught that it is "through much tribulation"
that believers will "enter the king dom of God" (Acts 14:22).
God does not exempt His servants from suffering and trials, for it is by
such means that they are able to prove their courage and conviction for
the things they believe. Not only so, but it is through difficulties that
a person is made stronger in character, more understanding and com passionate,
and more faithful in disposition.
These are the characteristics with which God is well-pleased.
Suffering is Often Self-Inflicted
Unfortunately, however, many bring unnecessary suffering upon themselves
because of foolish ac tions. Though God knows what is best for us, we often
neglect to seek His direction, choosing to make our own decisions in life.
This often results in suffering and confusion. Peter said: "For what
glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take
it patiently?" (1 Peter 2:20). It is foolish thinking that such suffering
is a trial from God, when, in fact, it is our own doing!
In his parable of The Prodigal Son Jesus told of a son who chose
to disobey his father's wishes, and spent his inheritance in wayward and
wasteful actions. He ignored the wisdom of his father's experi ence, and
set out to follow a program of willful indulgence. As a result the foolish
son soon lost his money, his position, and his dignity. He fell into disrepute,
squandered his father's inheritance, and ultimately found himself so hungry
that he desired swine-food (see Luke 15:11-32). Who was respon sible for
the suffering this son endured? His own! Certainly his father could not
be accused of the adversity into which the son's deviant life led him.
Neither can God be blamed for many of the conditions of suffering endured
by civilization. Devastat ing floods, famines and economic hardships, the
diseases that blight this present generation, the blood shed and wars that
bring immeasurable ruin and death in their train - are often the product
of man's greed and insatiable lust for power. Should God be accused of such
suffering? Of course not.
It is true that man's suffering began with Adam's sin and the sentence God
pronounced against him, but individuals can attain to a better way of life
by applying themselves to the wisdom of God's Word. This might not exempt
them from troubles - for even faithful Job and the righteous Jesus experienced
them - but it will certainly open their eyes to the reasons and benefits
of trial.
A child is a better person in society when he has been disciplined by understanding
and wise parents. The little suffering that might be experienced through
appropriate discipline, will be ultimately to the advantage of the child's
personal development. The wise man advises: "chasten thy son while
there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying" (Proverbs
19:18). Thus, to "spare the rod is to spoil the child". The wise
application of instruction and discipline will make for a selfless, obedient
and re spectful individual. In such cases, suffering results in the building
of character.
This is the purpose of suffering in the divine scheme of redemption. God,
who knows best, allows us to undergo such discipline that we might eventually
be trained for His greater purpose to come.
God's Offer of Redemption
Civilization groans under the burden of its own folly. Even people who achieve
a comfortable living do not find real and lasting contentment. The prophet
Isaiah questions those who put unrelenting energy and meticulous endeavor
into obtaining material benefits, pleasures or positions of power. He asks:
"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your
labor for that which satisfieth not?" (Isaiah 55:2). People expend
all their energy to achieve but meager benefits, only at last to die, leaving
their achievements to others. Of what value is all the agony of labor, the
strivings of flesh, unless there are greater and more lasting rewards to
be achieved?
Habakkuk describes the agony of humanity that is evident today: "Is
it not of the Lord that the people labor in the very fire, and weary themselves
for very vanity" (ch. 2:13). People "labor in the fire" by
putting all their energies to building up their own little empire; they
"weary themselves for nothing", because there is no lasting, permanent
value in such work. Disaster might come upon them from many directions;
death will certainly put an end to such ambitions.
God has a plan of redemption in store' and offers participation to those
who see the fruitlessness of seeking for present advancements. His plan
is something that we can joyfully anticipate. In the next verse of Habakkuk's
prophecy he declares: "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge
of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (ch. 2:14).
This is God's ultimate purpose, and it will bring an end to the sorrow and
suffering of mankind. It will conclude the limited benefits of the futile
labor of today and introduce a time of grand fulfillment and lasting satisfaction
in life.
Suffering Will Introduce the Joy
God's coming kingdom and glory will only be accomplished through national
discipline on a world that largely ignores and rejects Him. Mankind is not
naturally righteous, nor does it willingly turn to the wisdom of God's way.
The nations might cry to God in times of crisis, when wars or famine face
their countries, but when times of prosperity come, there is little response
in thanksgiving to the Cre ator. Instead men eagerly grasp for any advantages
as though they deserved them, expecting them to continue without expressing
thankfulness nor regard for the Creator who provides them. So Isaiah says:
"Let favor be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness:
in the land of upright ness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold
the majesty of the Lord" (Isaiah 26:10).
If God were to show favor to the wicked, it would only confirm them in their
wickedness. Therefore, it is essential for the future benefit of humanity
that God brings a day of judgment, that His will and goodness might ultimately
be respected and revered throughout the earth.
That is what God has planned for humanity. For centuries He has permitted
mankind to work out its own destiny. The result has been a terrible story
of crime, evil, warfare, disease, ecological disasters and a society without
character. This will soon end. Paul says that during the past "times
of ignorance God winked at (tolerated); but now commandeth all men
every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which
He will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:30-31). That
"day" will see the Lord Jesus Christ return to the earth in power
and great glory, in order to reverse the condition of society, and to introduce
a divine, political kingdom. This was clearly the intention of God when
His Son ascended into heaven over 1900 years ago. As the Lord ascended,
angels told his disciples who witnessed the event: "This same Jesus,
which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner
as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
The gross immorality and wickedness that characterizes this present age
is the cause of great concern to thinking
men and women, who see a terrible deterioration in morals, values and standards
of life. But the reason for the seeming delay in the return of Jesus Christ,
is that some might still be saved from the catastrophe ahead. God has determined
the time when He will intervene in human affairs to fulfill His purpose
(see Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 102:13; Acts 17:31). Before this occurs there remains
an opportu nity for thinking men and women to seek for salvation and to
prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. Peter explains that "the Lord
is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is
long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that
all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
God's offer of salvation is still open to men and women. It is available
to those who are prepared to understand the Gospel message (Romans 1:16),
and to "believe and be baptized" (Mark 16:16).
If we neglect so great a salvation, then "the day of the Lord will
come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with
a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth
also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
In these words Peter describes the change to society that is impending.
He does not speak of a literal destruction of the earth, for that is to
last forever (compare Psalm 48:2; 125:1; Jeremiah 3:17). But there is going
to be a complete rejuvenation of the way of life upon the earth: of the
governments (heavens) attitudes (elements) and society (earth).
Out of international suffering that is yet to occur through the wars
of judgment that are necessary to cleanse and purge society of its present
evil, there will come a day of grand joy and happiness.
The End to Suffering
Then no longer will the followers of Jesus Christ experience the troubles
of the present. To those who "by patient continuance in well doing
seek for glory and honor and immortality" they will be granted
"eternal life" (Romans 2:7) - the promise of "divine nature"
(2 Peter 1:4), and the privilege of reigning as "kings and priests"
with Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:10). No more will the weaknesses of human
nature be felt; no longer the diseases, distresses, vagaries and frustrations
of life; no longer the realiza tion of increasing age, with all its weaknesses
and concerns.
The joy of immortality is beautifully expressed in the vibrant words of
the prophet Isaiah: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (ch. 40:31).
In the power of endless life they will enjoy complete freedom from the anxieties
and weaknesses of the present, and find absolute enjoyment in performing
the joyous instructions of Almighty God.
Then: "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall
be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be
any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation
21:4).
Can anything offered by the world in this present life compare with such
a glorious hope? Is a little present suffering not worth the grand opportunity
of such a glorious future? In the midst of a time of trouble the Psalmist
confidently asserted: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that
will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the
days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His
temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion:
in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon
a rock" (Psalm 27:4-5). David knew that whatever trials he was required
to face, God would protect him, so that ultimately he might achieve his
heart's desire. So he tells us: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord" (verse
14).
That opportunity is still available to those who are prepared to seek the
way of God now. Do not be discouraged by the incident of suffering; instead
accept it as a means of building faith and try to under stand the reason
for it. The answer to the question is in the Word of God. The lasting benefit
of suffering will be seen in the future Kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the
earth.
Take hold of the strength to be found in faith and express it in action,
and very soon, ail suffering will be turned to the joy of success and victory
- in the new day that will be introduced at the coming of the Lord Jesus
Christ. For, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh
in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
Herald of the Coming Age - A Christadelphian Publication
Who are the Christadelphians? The word Christadelphian is a greek word, and translated, it means the
brethren of Christ (Heb. 2:11), We are a body of people associated together
by a belief in the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of
Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12); and by immersion into Christ (Gal. 3:27) for the
remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and a part in his resurrection (Rom. 6:5).
We do not profess to have received any new revelation, but hold that the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are able to make wise unto Salvation
(2 Tim. 3:15,17). Believing in the Divine Authorship of the Bible, we think
it only reasonable to eschew any interpretation thereof which fails to harmonize
all the testimonies of the Holy Scriptures; and finding that the creeds
of the various sects around are, in a great variety of ways, opposed to
the direct teaching of the Bible, we feel compelled to stand apart, making
appeal in all such matters to the statements of Scripture, and testing all
creeds thereby.
We believe in the personal, visible return of Christ to the earth, to set
up his power and reign thereon, and we seek to share this knowledge with
others. We offer our services in expounding the message of the Bible without
cost of any kind.
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