Worthy of Our Worship Regardless

This past week, in class we focused on the issue of justice and suffering.

I'll have to admit that leading these classes has been difficult, especially knowing that so many folks in our church family have been traveling through deep valleys.

How can a just God allow suffering? In our study, you will recall we spent some time look at John 9:1-5. In that passage we saw that Jesus pointed out that suffering isn't the result of God throwing down judgment on humanity. Rather, suffering provides God the opportunity to heal and restore those who are broken.

From an eternal perspective, our current suffering will not last, but for those who suffer here and now that can be a bitter pill to swallow.

My biggest concern is that after taking multiple punches, it is easy to get discouraged, depressed and to even become apathetic to God and God's presence in our lives. We can become so spiritually dazed by overwhelming suffering that we become numb to God's presence.

I can't stress enough that Scripture strongly encourages the Body of Christ to help each other in instances of suffering. We need to exhort each other to remain faithful, to get up on our feet, and to continue on the journey of faith.

People are hurting all around us. If you aren't hurting, consider yourself blessed.

Count your blessings. But don't stop there.

Look beyond yourself. Look for those who are suffering.

Reach out to those around you who are suffering and share the Hope of Heaven with them.

I really like the story in the book for this weekend about the Jews who put God on trial in a Concentration Camp during WW II. They held a public trial in the midst of their suffering and, after much deliberation, found God guilty for allowing suffering and pain in the World. As they dispersed from the session, a senior member of the group basically said, "Now it's time for evening prayers."

And they all worshipped together.

We can't explain suffering. We can convict God for allowing it.

But God is still worthy of our worship and our adoration, regardless.

Note: Just a reminder that there is no Sunday School class this Sunday, October 5, 2008. Instead, plan to come and join us for the Centennial Breakfast in the Family Life Center as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Church of the Nazarene.