Weekly Devotional 9-17-12 Again, The Age Old Question
This following question was once again asked by a friend, If God is a God of Love, is a good God and He created all things, why is there so much evil in the world? It seems that too many this question cannot be answered satisfactorily, especially to those who are outside of faith, to those who have not been spiritually regenerated, that is, born again. Paul writes, “14But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1st Corinthians 2:14). So, no matter what is written or said it may not be sufficient to such persons. Even born again Christians have at times wondered why God continues to allow certain things, but deep down know that God is sovereign and is in control. It cannot be otherwise. From the record, we read that God did create all things and His assessment was that His creation, including man, was good (Genesis 1:1-26). Adam (man’s federal head) had a wonderful beginning and all things were good. However, when tempted by Satan, with the thought of becoming like a god himself, Adam chose to disobey God’s only prohibition and partook of that which was forbidden. That which he partook of was forbidden for a reason. Upon partaking of it, he experienced spiritual death. He was separated from His creator and no longer was directed by exclusive communication with God. He now had new desires, the desires of a spiritually dead man. Self was now his god. It also opened him up to suggestions of Satan, the hater of God. God brought Adam back to Himself, but the damage had been done.
Paul writes, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that Adam’s fallen nature is inherent to all his offspring. This includes all humanity, but excludes Jesus Christ, born of Mary and the Holy Spirit. We read, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam” (Romans 5:12-14a). This then is how sin (evil) entered into the world. Why doesn’t God do something about it? Why doesn’t He put a stop to it? He has.
First, He blessed the world with physical death and spiritual regeneration; physical death to all, and spiritual regeneration to those who turn to Him in faith, and an eventual restoration of physical life. Can you imagine living forever in a world that is cursed with “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like,” which are the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21b)? In truth, these things are both a curse and a blessing. A curse because they result in suffering and pain, a blessing because they cause man to seek relief from them. Secondly, He will prepare a new heaven and a new earth where all these things are vanquished. “1Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ 5Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ 6And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’” (Revelation 21:1-8).
All persons endure some semblance of pain and suffering. There are no exclusions. Both God’s children and those who are of the world, who are not His children, suffer these things. Only those who overcome will enjoy the new heaven and the new earth. The logical question then for the seeker of truth is who are they who overcome? The Apostle John gives us the answer, “1Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:1-5).
To whom or to what are you looking to for relief of your suffering and pain? If you are looking to Jesus Christ, God’s anointed Son, you will someday experience the relief that that you seek. It may not be soon, but it is sure!
Steve