Bad Things Happening to Good People?
Good people suffer? “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and Romans 8:28
The Only Truly Good Person Who Ever Lived
Only one good Person walked the earth, and bad things happened to Him.
You’ve heard the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But are bad things truly happening to good people?
Jesus Christ: The Perfect Man Who Faced Every Trial
When Jesus walked the earth, he wasn’t a sissy, or even what we consider a manly man. He was a Man!
Jesus’s Spiritual Battles and Temptations
Jesus cleared the temple of the money changers. Jesus was a Man!
Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and was tempted by Satan, up to the finale, when he told Satan to “get thee hence.” Jesus was a Man!
Jesus prayed in the garden when others could not stay awake, and he sweat as it were great drops of blood because of His agony. Jesus was a Man!
The Physical Suffering of Christ
Jesus was scourged, with endurance, and without mercy, and most men died from such beatings. Jesus was a Man!
Jesus was mocked, taunted, hailed as a false king, and wore thorns (the very curse placed upon Eden). Jesus was a Man!
Jesus was smitten with a reed and spat upon. Jesus was a Man!
The Crucifixion: Ultimate Suffering for Ultimate Love
Good people suffer? Jesus strove nearly 6 football field lengths to Golgotha and did not die. Jesus was a Man!
Jesus was nailed to a cross by His hands and feet, enduring excruciating pain, suffering, breathlessness, anguish, love, forgiveness, care, and mercy. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He was not killed!
Human blood did not flow in Jesus, but God’s Precious Blood was coursing through his veins. Jesus was a Man!
What Jesus experienced would have killed a normal man – Jesus was a Man!
Jesus Gave His Life Willingly
“It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
Jesus gave His life freely and in His time.
Jesus is: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
The Purpose of Suffering
It’s important to note the following about Jesus’s suffering and ours:
- Jesus’ suffering caused others to turn to Him
- His suffering glorified the Father
- It should be the same with us
- Hard times and suffering exhibit the Grace of God in our lives
- May purge us of sin
- And hush the mouth of satan
Consider the Apostle Paul’s testimony in Philippians chapter 4:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Good people suffer? Muse upon these simple thoughts and do your own Bible study about the topic. Hard Times