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

By


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


Devotional - Why, God, Why? 


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 the 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.
God, how long will the enemy mock?
Will the foe insult your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand?

Stretch out your right hand and destroy them!
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

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

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?



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Battle Begins" February 9 Readings: Numbers 31-36

By
Image
   Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024 This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Numbers 31-36 Background:    We wrap up our reading of Numbers today with another difficult reading. Chapter 31 tells of a war with Midian and then the journeys of Israel are recounted in detail. The boundaries of the Promised Land are spelled out - far larger than modern Israel. Then we read of the founding of the cities of refuge and the inheritance of Zelo...
Read more

"Not Many Wise" October 6 Readings: 1 Corinthians 1

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024 This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   1 Corinthians 1 Background:    Introduction to the Book of 1 Corinthians Paul started a lot of churches. He had great churches like Philippi and Ephesus, who brought him constant joy, who demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit and a passion for the gospel. He had the Bereans who searched the Scriptures to see if what he preached was true. He started churches in Thess...
Read more

"He Prayed for ME!" September 2 Readings: John 17

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2024 This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   John 17 Background:    John 17 is truly "The Lord's Prayer." This is the prayer that the Lord prayed the night before he died, pouring out his heart to the Father on behalf not only of his disciples but for all of us who would follow. Daily Devotional:   He Prayed for ME! The night before Jesus died, just before he agonized in the Gard...
Read more