Answering the “Why, God? Questions Again
Yet another horrific demonstration of the power and pervasiveness of evil (whether satanic, demonic, or human in origin) in our nation that mercilessly took the lives of our young school children and teachers this week. Others were wounded before the terror finally ended. In the aftermath, parents of these children and families of victims are left to deal with funeral plans they never thought they would have to make and the emotional trauma that may last for years, perhaps the rest of their lives. We grieve with them over these soul-wrenching losses.
Most Americans, and people in what are considered civilized nations, believe strongly no one should have to experience such violence and hostility—stark reminders we live in a fallen world in which evil is often personified. Soon thereafter, the questions begin to fly: How could this happen? Who is to blame? Why are people like this allowed to own guns? And sooner than later, THE question surfaces (especially when children are involved): “Why, God?”
Variants of that question often follow:
“If there is a God, why would He let such things happen?”
or
Why would a good God let such bad things happen to “good” people?
Each time a tragedy like this strikes and I am led to write and teach to give “answers” as part of my responsibilities, it gives me great pause:
- Pause to consider the excruciating pain and grief of the families whose wounds are still raw and bleeding.
- Pause to add to my prayers for them, prayers for myself that I lean in and listen very carefully to what the Holy Spirit would have me teach from His Word: comfort, strength to overcome, and truth that endures.
Evil Should Not Shock Us. This isn’t new. (Ancient history and current events)
Humans have been murdering innocents since the dawn of man. Following are some of the horrific tragedies that have occurred throughout human history going back thousands of years.
- In the first family, Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy. (Genesis 4)
- God allowed satan to destroy everything he owned including his children. (Job 1)
- Pharaoh ordered midwives to kill all the Hebrew baby boys that were born. God saved Moses out of this murderous edict. But many were killed. How do you think the Hebrew parents of those who were not spared felt? (Exodus 1:15-22)
- After the visit of the wise men to worship baby Jesus was discovered by King Herod and that they left without telling him where He was, Herod ordered the slaughter of all baby boys two and under. An angel of the Lord warned Joseph and they escaped to Egypt. How do you think those whose sons were murdered felt? Matthew 2:16-18
In the last century,
- Nazi Germany murdered, in many heinous ways, approximately six million Jews – “God’s chosen people?
- 2,403 American personnel were mercilessly killed by the Japanese in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
- Countries under ruthless dictators have attempted genocide on entire populations such as in Cambodia and numerous ethnic groups and nations in Africa in recent decades.
- ~3,000 people were murdered by Muslim terrorists during attacks of September 11, 2001.
Most of the world – especially non-Christians and persecutors of the church – will not like the fact that I included the following, but they are more real facts about senseless murders:
- Around the world, Christians are martyred for their faith every day in some countries; others are forced into slavery. None of this makes the nightly news or newspapers.
- Millions of innocent unborn children are murdered every year in the U.S. and “civilized” nations around the world under the pretense of “women’s rights.” The U.S. not only does not care, but enacted laws that protect and support this heinous practice. Where is the voice of the unborn?
It will happen again
The sad truth is this: Since Genesis 3, the world has been broken, subject to sin and sinners and under the dominion or rule of Satan and his legion of fallen angels/demons. Most people think that is fairy tale mythology, but those who believe the Bible know this truth. Man forfeited his dominion over this world to satan by believing the lies and falling for the deception.
The descendants of Adam’s sons ultimately led to God expressing this regret.
“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So the LORD was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” Genesis 6:5-6
This has not changed. So not only do people seek our own selfish desires, we also have fierce spiritual enemies in the demonic realm. That is why Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world” on more than one occasion.
“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” John 12:31 (also 16:11)
Jesus referred to Satan many times- the enemy, murderer, father of lies, deceiver, the devil. The Apostle Peter wrote,
“…be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Good News! There are answers. Bad news—most people reject them and us because they reject God who “caused or allowed” such terrible things to happen to “good” people. Human reasoning almost always supersedes that of God because He did not do what they want when they wanted. People believe they know what should have been obvious to God—stop the act before it occurs! When the answers do not make sense or are unreasonable, people lash out at God or anyone else they can blame. It has to be someone else’s fault. God understands the human heart.
God of Comfort
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
(Jesus promise) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; John 14: 16
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:3-5
Jesus Cares
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
God of Peace & Overcomers
Jesus spoke these words of comfort and peace to His disciples in the hours before He would be brutally assaulted throughout that night and into the early morning. Then He would be crucified for six hours on a cross in utter humiliation in front of thousands of people, most of whom jeered and cursed Him. Despite all the evil of men perpetrated against Him, Jesus said,
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus alone can fill the void that is left when someone we love is taken from us whether by violence of other people or natural disasters.
God of Healing
“…and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
To Whom will you turn?
Invitation to those who are weary and lost without hope. Jesus’ invitation to Nicodemus is for you as well. Come to Him with a repentant heart, confessing your sin and need for a Savior. Receive Him today and begin enjoying these promises for yourself!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”… The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:16, 36
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
For Christ’s sake,
