We’ll try this again …
Testing the righeous … or death from life
Some people can accept death as a consequence of sin, of doing something wrong.
But what about those who have repented and God is actually pleased with? Sometimes even worse things happen to them.
God pointed out Job to the devil and praised his righteousness. You’ve got to be pretty righteous if God takes notice. God then goads the devil unto bringing great personal tragedy upon Job. Ultimately God rebukes Job for questioning His right to test and afflict the righteous at His leisure.
You see, part of the curse is life from death, pain in childbirth. Jesus calls the sorrows of life “birth pangs.” This means God brings forth life amidst pain.
Isaiah says that God was pleased to wound His own Son. Why? Because He knew the reward and life that would result. Christ’s disciples were beaten, persecuted and killed. John died of old age, but not for lack of trying to kill him by the world.
God’s school of prophecy includes pain, suffering and great loss.
“Isn’t this a cruel way to teach us?” some have asked.
Absolutely not. It is love unspeakable and full of glory.
You know what a professional athlete does during the offseason? If he’s good and wants a productive career, he trains even harder than the regular season. This is why basic training in the military is tough. Do you want some fat lazy dude protecting your butt?
Professional athletes put their bodies through intense strain for worldly fame, fortune and glory. God, through our participation in the sufferings of Christ, is giving us opportunity for fame, fortune and glory in Heaven, for eternity!
This is why Peter could honestly say “rejoice to the degree you partake in the suffering of Christ.” And James could say, “rejoice when you fall under various trials and temptations.” And Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble; they hated me first.”
God left certain enemy nations around in the time of the Judges to “teach Israel war.”
David, the proverbial man after God’s own heart, was a warrior, constantly fighting. In such times when you are surrounded by enemies and your safety is at stake, there is greater unity, more efficiency in production, and you stay on your toes, always trained and ready to fight.
Solomon had peace and prosperity during his reign. During such overwhelming political and material blessing, he married foreign wives, worshipped foreign godsd in his own house, oppressed laborers and caused a divided kingdom.
Jesus was the Son of David, not the son of Solomon. Sometimes the worst thing God can give you is a life of ease and comfort.
With our sufferings in this world, we are also suffering for it. Just as Christ suffered so that others could live, our persecution and affliction causes life in others. “Death in us, but life in you.” We are taking part in the ministry of reconciliation and redemption, becoming more like Him so we can reign with Him.
And sometimes, honestly, God likes to have a reson to show off …
Peace.