136. If our gracious Creator provides for all of our needs and protects us from evil, why do suffering and death exist in the world?
A. Our first parents (prompted by the devil) brought evil and suffering into the world by rebelling against God. Sinful activity continues to cause tremendous suffering throughout the world.
James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Romans 5:12 As sin came into the world through one man, ... death spread to all men because all sinned.
B. God punished human rebellion by cursing the earth: even though the earth sustains life, God's judgment is also evident (storms, pests, earthquakes, diseases, and so forth).
Genesis 3:17-19 Cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Romans 8:20-22 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
C. Therefore, we need to repent of our sin, trust God's promise of forgiveness in Christ, care for those who suffer, and pray for God's restoration of all things when Christ comes again.
Read Luke 13;1-5, where Jesus urges repentance in response to tragic suffering.
Eventual commentary
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