Sunday, June 18, 2017

"Why, God, Why?" June 18 Readings: 1 Chronicles 22-23, John 18:25–40, Psalm 74:10–16, Proverbs 15:15–17



Today's Readings - 1 Chronicles 22-23, John 18:25–40, Psalm 74:10–16, Proverbs 15:15–17


Devotional 


For the believer, there is a deep sense that this world is not as it should be.

As I traveled last night, I had the radio on to occupy my mind, listening to an oldies station (no surprise, I guess). A song came on I'd never heard before, but its words offended me - there were several disrespectful references to Jesus. Why do people have to go out of their way to insult my savior?

That kind of thing is all too common in this world. People ridicule God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They live as scoffers, mockers. And we wonder why God lets them get away with it.

Others perpetuate evil in this world and do so with seeming impunity. They oppress the poor, abuse the innocent and cause untold harm against others - seemingly without consequence. There is injustice everywhere.

Where is God in all of this? Why does he not act? Why does he turn a blind eye toward sinners? That is the ultimate frustration of those who love God and walk in his ways. And it is most common theme of the writers of the Psalms. Why, God? Why does this world operate as it does?

In Psalm 74:10-11, the Psalmist asks the question that has been asked so many times.
How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
    Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?

The answer to this question is never easy. God is in control and is at work. Eventually, justice and righteousness will come. It may be in this world, it might be in the next, but vengeance belongs to God and he will repay. His justice is perfect. 

But God seldom answers the question why. He just responds "who." Trust me. I'm handling it. The wicked may prosper for a season and the righteous may suffer. Things may seem upside down in this world, but know that God is in control and he will settle the books perfectly. Our perfect God will mete out perfect justice. 

And in the end, when the last page of history has been written, God will stand supreme as Sovereign Lord. All will bow before Jesus. The flag of God's glory will be unfurled and all will see his perfection. 

In that day, the question "why?" will be fully, eternally, and overwhelmingly answered by God's justice and righteous power. 

Father, I thank you that you are in control. Help me to trust you even when I cannot understand your plan or your purpose. 

Think and Pray


The Bible usually answers the question, "Why?" with the answer, "Who!" We may not understand why things happen but we can trust the God who makes all things for good.
Do you trust him?




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