Where Was God? -WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES US ABOUT SUFFERING

The suffering we encounter is not divine punishment for a specific sin.  Jesus himself was very clear on this matter when he and his disciples saw a man who had been blind from birth.  "His disciples asked him:  "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,  so that he was born blind? Jesus answered: Neither this man sinned nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be made manifest in his case." -John 9:1. 3. 

In view of prevailing misconceptions, Jesus' disciples must  have been surprised  when he told them that neither him nor his parents  had sinned in a way that brought on misfortune.  Not only did Jesus cure the man's blindness but by doing so he overturned the erroneous believe that suffering is punishment from  God.  (John 9:6, 7) Those who suffer from serious health problems today can find comfort in knowing that God is not the cause of their affliction. 

The Scriptures assure us

* "With evil things God cannot be tried, nor does hi himself try anyone."  (JAMES  1:13)  Indeed, the "evil things" that have plagued mankind for centuries, including sickness, pain, and death, will soon be eliminated.

* Jesus Christ "cured all who were suffering."  (MATTHEW 8:16) In healing all who came to him, God's Son demonstrated what God's Kingdom will accomplish on a worldwide scale.

* " He [God] will wipe out ever tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning, nor outcry nor pain be anymore.  The former things have passed away." -REVELATION 21:3, 5.

WHO IS TO BLAME?

Why, then, does mankind experience so much pain and suffering?  Mankind has been pondering that question for centuries.  If God is not to blame, who is responsible?  The answer to those questions will be discussed in the next article. 


Next time: Where Was the Bible? -WHO IS TO BLAME? 

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