Fourth Sunday in Easter Scripture Readings
Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, I Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10
Science seems to tell us that our universe started in a sudden burst of expansion about 13.7 billion years ago. Likewise, scientific evidence indicates that modern humans arrived on the scene a relatively very recent 100 thousand years ago (give or take). In looking at the nature of how our universe, our world, and humans have been created, it seems to show us that some sort of suffering has always been a part of our existence. Many Christians state that suffering is a direct result of the fall. But that has become a simplistic answer for me. It does not explain everything about suffering. No doubt, suffering and pain most often result from the brokenness in relationship between us and God as well as with others. Our selfish independent nature has a way of breeding and amplifying suffering in this world. But that isn't the totality of it. What about natural disasters? What about accidents? What about natural occurrences of disease (especially genetic)? Are these all a result of a sin damaged world? If so, I have not yet been able to connect the dots. In the Genesis account of creation, God declares the world "Good." I don't remember seeing anywhere in the Bible that God created the world perfect. Ouch! How could a perfect and Holy God create a universe that is rife with suffering? I have to admit that for the most part, that is a mystery to me. However, I tend to believe that when God declared the world to be, "Good," He meant that it was good in the sense of being exactly what it needed to be in order for His perfect purpose for creation, and for us in particular. His purpose for us in particular means, "To be in loving relationship with God." I think the mystery of suffering revolves around the conditions that must be in place for people created in the image of our Creator, with a free will, to be in relationship with Him.
I'm no theologian, so I hope I'm not spewing heresies here, But, if God is in any way behind the conditions of suffering in this world, He more than took responsibility for it on the cross. As we see in I Peter 2:21-25, "...Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
This passage not only indicates that God took on the problem of suffering on the cross, but He also took on the responsibility of our rebellion. Because of this there is ultimate healing and a remedy for the human condition. He is the Good Shepherd that leads His creation toward His ultimate purpose (Communion). One aspect of worship is the act of recognizing that He is good and trustworthy even when we endure suffering. Worship calls us to come and kneel before the Lord OUR MAKER, for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture.
(I Peter 2:25) For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Let us return to the Shepherd in the faith that our souls are in good hands.
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