The topic for this week is one that is difficult to discuss (especially in the electronic format). It is difficult because there are always stories and experiences of deep and real pain, and when we talk about such topics it can be seem like we are ignoring or lessening the pain and significance of those stories and experiences. This is something that we certainly do now want to do. So please read these words and know that they are being written with deep respect and awe for the turmoil that people go through. These words are not being offered as a simple or cheap answer. Nor are they being offered as the final end of say. They are simply the beginning of a discussion, and one that I pray is a blessing to all involved.
It is difficult for us to understand why, if God is good and all-powerful (omnipotent) why evil still exists in our world. Isn't this something that God can just swoop down and stop and save the day? After all, this strategy works just fine for superman, batman and spider-man. Why not God?
My initial reaction has two parts, and I will leave it that, so as to allow for the conversation to continue. First, this idea does not fully understand, or take into account human beings. We are sinful beings. We do things in our own interests and to the detriment of others and as a result there are consequences. This does not mean that when bad things happen to us it is because we did something to deserve it, but think of it more as a ripple effect. When we sin there are consequences. Evil is in our world because human being chose to do evil. Things like sickness and death are in our world because it is a world that is corrupted by sin. It was not made in the current state that we find it.
Second, this idea above also assumes that God is not currently working on the problem. He is, it is just that we expect a big miraculous work and instead God chooses to work through the common and ordinary. God is actively about the work of restoring creation to himself. With the death and resurrection of Jesus the powers of sin, death and the devil have been defeated forever. We still see them and war against them, but they are ultimately defeated. At the same time God sends his church into the world to proclaim this restoration. As God's people we are to, as much as we are able, live in this restored reign of our God. Because we are the ones that God has chosen to work through. It is almost like medication. You take it, and you don't always feel the effects instantly, but that doesn't mean that it isn't working.
Those are my thoughts for now. I look forward to hearing from you. God's blessings and peace in Jesus be yours.
Sincerely,
Pastor CJ
2 comments:
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I enjoyed your commentary and would like to share my views on good and evil. There is no such thing as darkness; rather it is the absence of light. Likewise, there is no such thing as cold, only the absence of heat. It is the same thing with evil. There is no such thing as evil per se, there is only the absence of God. When we sinful humans, as you pointed out, exercise our free will, it often results in our doing not what God would have us do, but the sinful things we want to do.
The reason evil is in the world is not because God is not good. but because his creation has fallen and we are not good.
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