Eye hath not seen

Check out these amazing interactive pictures from the Blue Moon restaurant in Lima, Peru. The picture was made using Flashificator, a program which allows you to view a scene as if you were there in person. The detail is astonishing. Here’s another photo from the restaurant, and another. I love to eat. Looking at these makes me want to hop on a plane to Peru just to visit this restaurant. These pictures are some of the best visual displays of some of the finest food that the world has to offer in one place. As amazing as this place is, I’m sure it pales in comparison to the heavenly reward that is prepared for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Technorati Tags: Buffet, Blue Moon Restaurant, Flashificator

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Our nation has endured some truly tragic events in the last decade. We endured the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which took the lives of almost 3,000 people. We experienced tremendous natural disaster in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina in August of 2005, which claimed the lives of almost 2,000 and left approximately 80 billion dollars in damages. The suffering from these events captured the attention of our nation and the world. In each of these events, the talking heads on TV speculated about who was to blame. We do the same thing when suffering comes to us on an individual level. When we are laid off work…when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer…disaster strikes us…we ask the question, “Who caused this suffering - Who’s fault is this?” A simple question, but filled with so much significance, for I don’t believe that is the question that is really being asked. I believe that it hints at the deeper question, “God, WHY is this happening?” The answers to these questions can be found in the Bible.

In studying the topic of suffering, my attention was drawn to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. At the time of this letter, Paul is imprisoned by the Roman government, accused of breaking Jewish law. Though he is under arrest, he is able to receive visitors and continue his ministry of writing. The church in Philippi had provided a great deal of financial support for Paul’s ministry and has sent him an assistant, Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus has suffered illness and Paul returns him to Philippi with this letter of instruction for the church. As a young congregation, they may be inclined to question Paul’s authority as an Apostle and question the legitimacy of his doctrine. After all, why would God cause or allow one of his servants to suffer?

Part of Paul’s purpose in writing to the Philippian church is to explain God’s purposes in his suffering. In Philippians 1:12, Paul explains that he wants the Philippians to understand that “the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” Paul knows that God is sovereign over all things, including his imprisonment. He recognizes that God has used his imprisonment for furthering the Good News of Jesus Christ. He says,

So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places. (Philippians 1:13)

While Paul was under arrest, he was able to share his testimony and the gospel in public, with roman officials and their households and continue his ministry while writing and receiving guests. A full account of Paul’s imprisonment can be found in the book of Acts, chapters 21-28. He also knew that his imprisonment had emboldened other Christians to share their faith. He says,

Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:14)

Paul states his understanding that,

Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (Philippians 1:20)

The overall theme of the passage is Paul’s suffering is purposeful, orchestrated by God for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Does God really cause suffering? This question was answered by Christ to his disciples:

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (John 9:1-3)

Jesus told them that the suffering of this blind man came from God to fulfill his purposes in the world. Several other passages illustrate God’s sovereignty over suffering.

[God] worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. (Ephesians 1:11)

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up (I Samuel 2:6-7)

Shall there be evil [disaster, calamity] in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? (Amos 3:6)

Clearly, Scripture teaches that God causes suffering. What causes us difficulty is when we begin to question God’s purposes in suffering. We are assured that God is sovereign over all things for His purposes

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)

We don’t always see how God uses our suffering or the suffering around us. Even the Apostle Paul testifies to our lack of understanding concerning God’s ways when he says,

For now, we see through a glass darkly; but then, face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known. (I Corinthians 13:12)

We can find comfort in suffering knowing that God remains in control and uses every situation to fulfill His redemptive plan for mankind. If one knows Christ as Lord and Savior, comfort is especially found in the knowledge that,
We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.(Herbrews 4:14-15)
Christ experienced the human condition. He lived in poverty. He suffered tremendous indignities and injustice. He was beaten and died the worst death imaginable. All to fulfill God’s purpose in redemption. Christ understands our suffering and urges us to,

come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

He promises the grace to make it through suffering. Like Paul, those who know Christ as Lord and Savior can proclaim that, “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death” and will experience the promise of future grace when,

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

If you are reading this and are experiencing suffering, I encourage you to look to Christ, prayerfully studying his word to discover God’s purpose and plan in your situation.

Here are some additional resources on Suffering and the Sovereignty of God

Suffering and the Sovereignty of GodBy John Piper & Justin Taylor, eds. / Crossway Books & Bibles In the last few years, 9/11, a tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and many other tragedies have shown us that the vision of God in today’s churches in relation to evil and suffering is often frivolous. Against the overwhelming weight and seriousness of the Bible, many Christians are choosing to become more shallow, more entertainment-oriented, and therefore irrelevant in the face of massive suffering. In Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, contributors John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steve Saint, Carl Ellis, David Powlison, Dustin Shramek, and Mark Talbot explore the many categories of God’s sovereignty as evidenced in his Word. They urge you to look to Christ, even in suffering, to find the greatest confidence, deepest comfort, and sweetest fellowship you have ever known.

The Suffering of Man & the Sovereignty of God: Twenty-five Selected Sermons on the Book of JobBy C.H. Spurgeon / Fox River Press Disease, death of loved ones, taunting by his friends—Job endured tragedy after tragedy. But why did a righteous man suffer so much pain? And for what reason? In 25 of his finest sermons on the Book of Job, Spurgeon offers explanations and encouragement to those who suffer, while always affirming God’s sovereignty and goodness. 378 pages, softcover from Fox River.

Technorati Tags: Jesus Christ, Suffering, Doctrine, Sovereignty of God, Philippians, Apostle Paul

I couldn’t resist posting this one -

Technorati Tags: Reformation, Protestant, Martin Luther, Polka