Yesterday we spent some time lamenting the evil, suffering and injustice in the world. Thankfully Solomon does not wait long to give us the answer to this problem. What is the answer he proposes to the issue of injustice, suffering and sin in the world? Have a look at verse 17: "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed." Solomon's answer to the issue of evil and suffering is God's final, absolute judgment of both the righteous and the unrighteous. God will bring all things to account.
This is the same hope which changes Asaph's tone in Psalm 73. After spending the first half of the Psalm lamenting the injustice he saw in the world Asaph changes his tone in the second half and finds his hope in God. What changes Asaph's mind? Have a look in verses 16-17: "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppresive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."
Asaph comes to the same conclusion as Solomon does. The answer to injustice, evil and suffering in the world is found in God's final judgment. Because he remembers this and finds hope in it Asaph is able to shift from lamenting injustice in the world to praising God as his strength and hope. See some of the incredible phrases he uses to praise God in the remainder of the psalm.
As New Testament believers we have one additional thing that can give us hope in spite of evil and suffering in the world. Not only do we have a God who will one day judge the wicked but we also have a God who chose to become a man, to endure suffering, wickedness and injustice and die for our sake. Even when we were far from Him He chose to suffer for us. We not only have a God who will bring all suffering to account, we have a God who has experienced suffering firsthand and offers us comfort and strength.
As Christians we still lament the horror of evil and suffering in our world but we do so with hope that is firmly rooted in our God Himself. Praise Him that He chose to suffer for us and that He will one day answer this problem of evil, suffering and injustice.
Prayer: Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today's reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
- Pray for the young adults in your church as they transition from school to university or work. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage them in all that they do. Pray that they would seek after Him with their whole hearts and that they would grow in the love and passion for Him.
- Pray for the Committee of Management at your church or whatever other group oversees the practical management of finances and ministry in your church. Pray that God would encourage and strengthen each one of them. Pray that God would give them wisdom and help them to make Godly decisions for the church. Pray that God would show you ways to support and encourage these people in their service.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
No comments:
Post a Comment