Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: Hi Mark, My closing comments to you. 1. Heb 11 presents those of faith who, despite the obstacles to faith, persevered and did not fall away from their confidence in God. It can be admitted that persecution is not the main issue; faithfulness to God’s promise is. 2. However, we should not forget the history of each person mentioned. For example, Abel was persecuted by Cain. It can be assumed that Noah was persecuted for his preaching (2 Pet 2:5). Isaac was persecuted by Ishmael. Jacob was persecuted by Esau (although, afterwards, they were reconciled). Joseph was persecuted by his brothers. Moses chose persecution (“mistreatment,” NIV). The people of Israel were persecuted by the Egyptians. 3. I can agree that the this chapter does not emphasize persecution but that is because, I think, the writer’s intention is to emphasize people of faith who believed in the promises of God, although they could not see it, regardless of outward circumstances. 4. Then the writer of Hebrews moves into the present situation (chapter 12) where, it seems, the believers were in danger of shrinking back away from faith in Jesus as Messiah. 5. You state, “Verse three speaks of the ‘contradiction’ of sinners against Jesus. This is not necessarily persecution, but could also be opposition, hostility, or rebellion.” But, “opposition, hostility, or rebellion” is persecution. If someone is opposed to you, hostile towards you, and rebellious towards you because you do what is right, what is that if not persecution? Furthermore, I think the writers emphasis was on the event of Jesus' crucifixion. 6. Granted, discipline does not need to be confined through persecution. However, on the contrary, from the context here, as I read it, the discipline is not the persecution itself but their perseverance in the midst of persecution and/or various trials because of their faith in Messiah. In all this, my main point is that God does not intend for his children to suffer. Taken at face value, I do not think any can disagree. The question can be asked, “Is the parent that wants their children to suffer a bad parent?” At face value, how do we think it would be answered? With respect to discipline, it does cause suffering, but it is a suffering necessary to avoid greater evil and suffering and promote that which is good and healthy. However, what parent would rather their children just trust them and obey their word than have the need to discipline them? It seems to me God wanted our First Parents to just obey his word, not by experiencing discipline, but by the mere experience of his voice. I think that is how God would rather we learn to obey him. I have come to know God as a Father who does not intend for us or desire that we suffer. |