Monday musings
Why do bad things happen to good people? No question has haunted humanity more than this one. The cynic argues that this enigma is evidence that a just and powerful God could not - and does not - exist. But, there may be another explanation. Consider:
"I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them." (Ecclesiastes 9.11-12)
As the writer of Ecclesiastes states, there is a "time and chance" factor in an imperfect world that accounts for much of the tragedy and suffering that exists. The sobering truth is, "the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them." In short, bad things happen to good people. Were this the final reality, all would have ample reason to be cynical and disbelieving. But, consider the ultimate triumph brought by a just and perfect God:
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8.28)
If we look for ultimate vindication and justice in this age, we'll be sorely disappointed. The God who is at work and "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" will not complete that cycle this side of the coming kingdom. The ultimate good is yet to come, and can now only been seen through eyes of faith. It is for us to KNOW in this age, but not to fully SEE.
Perfect earthly paradise was our Father's initial creation. But, through unfortunate choice by our progenitors, perfect paradise was lost. How thankful we are to know that our Father has not abandoned His broken project! A new age is dawning (Mark 1.15), and is destined to bring ultimate justice and vindication for all God's people. His coming kingdom, inaugurated at the return of His Son, offers the only hope for a unjust and broken world. With this as our focus, we live today in hope, and walk by faith.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
"I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them." (Ecclesiastes 9.11-12)
As the writer of Ecclesiastes states, there is a "time and chance" factor in an imperfect world that accounts for much of the tragedy and suffering that exists. The sobering truth is, "the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them." In short, bad things happen to good people. Were this the final reality, all would have ample reason to be cynical and disbelieving. But, consider the ultimate triumph brought by a just and perfect God:
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8.28)
If we look for ultimate vindication and justice in this age, we'll be sorely disappointed. The God who is at work and "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" will not complete that cycle this side of the coming kingdom. The ultimate good is yet to come, and can now only been seen through eyes of faith. It is for us to KNOW in this age, but not to fully SEE.
Perfect earthly paradise was our Father's initial creation. But, through unfortunate choice by our progenitors, perfect paradise was lost. How thankful we are to know that our Father has not abandoned His broken project! A new age is dawning (Mark 1.15), and is destined to bring ultimate justice and vindication for all God's people. His coming kingdom, inaugurated at the return of His Son, offers the only hope for a unjust and broken world. With this as our focus, we live today in hope, and walk by faith.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
posted by steve @ 9:41 AM
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