1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
We live in a fallen world. Calamity can strike anywhere and anyone. Jesus tells us that we would be remiss to place the blame of another’s misfortune on some sin that they may have trespassed. While there certainly is a surety in consequences to sin, there is surety in misfortune due to living in a sin stricken world. Jesus makes this very clear in John:
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
All will experience trials this side of heaven but those who are in Christ, those who believe on His name, can experience His perfect peace amidst the storms of this life. Also, as believers we have the assurance that our pain has purpose. How empty to experience suffering for naught! We can be assured as Christians that there will always be purpose in our pain. God wastes nothing, especially not our troubles. We are also told in Scripture:
1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. John 9:1-3 (NIV)
We must keep our focus on the fact that earth is our passage and not our home. Sometimes things are allowed in our lives for a greater work of God that we may not fully understand until we get to heaven. God is always at work and His work, for those who love Him, is always for our good. That is the blessed promise of Romans 8:28:
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
I love that all inclusive word “all”!!! I also love the fact that it is God who does the work! I recently read a quote that nails this point:
“To the child of God, there is no such thing as an accident. He travels an appointed way...Accidents may indeed appear to befall him and misfortune stalk his way; but these evils will be so in appearance only and will seem evils only because we cannot read the secret script of God’s hidden providence.” A.W. Tozer
“Could you ask for a better promise? It is better that all things should work for my good than all things should be as I would wish to have them. All things might work for my pleasure and yet might all work my ruin. If all things do not always please me, they will always benefit me. This is the best promise of this life.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Robert J. Morgan states that Romans 8:28 is the “guarantee of God’s all-encompassing providence over the lives of His children”. Scripture confirms this truth through the following verses:
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:9-10 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)
Blameless (not sinless) Job confirms this truth after encountering the questions of God:
Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:1-6 (NIV)
I believe we all would have Job’s humble response after such an encounter with the living God of the universe. Indeed, humility should always be the posture of every child of the King. There is nothing quite as stark as the contrast between sinful men and our Holy God.