Whose fault was it?

Whose fault was it that Job suffered so much?  I believe there are four possibilities (maybe more, but others would be so far out that they would hold zero validity).

Was it Job's fault?  Even though the Bible makes it clear that he was "upright and blameless," perhaps there was some behind the scenes sin that Job committed and he really isn't the man of integrity we all think he is and that the author describes him as.  If that's the case, then it wouldn't be innocent suffering.  It would be justified suffering: you sin, you suffer. 

Some would say its Satan's fault.  Afterall, Satan is the one who actually causes the suffering.  He kills Job's children, takes all his possessions and infects Job with nasty and painful sores all over his body.  But is that giving Satan too much credit.  Also, is it too simple to say that the one who actually inflicts the damage is the one causing the suffering?

Perhaps Job just has a run of bad luck.  I have met people today that just seem to be magnets for disaster.  Maybe Job's good fortune had finally run its course and when disaster hit it hit hard and it hit fast and hit with a vengeance.  If that's the case, if it was just bad luck, then what of the theological significance.  Are we to disregard all forces in this world other than good and bad luck.

The most scandalous answer is that God causes the suffering, but that is hard to swallow for anyone who believes in a good and loving God.  If that is the most likely answer, what do we do with that?  How do we factor that into a positive image of God?  What does it mean about how God interacts with us? 

I would love for you to explore these options and these questions with me in a class I'm teaching on the book of Job.  To sign up, go here.  Its listed under the Sunday morning classes.  Hope to see you there!

Why was Job tested

The book of Job may raise more questions that it gives answers about God, suffering, Satan and faith.  However, one of the things we know is that part of the answer as to why Job lost everything is because God was pleased with him.  "No way" you say "God blesses those that he is pleased with."  Want proof...here it is "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him"  1:8.  God points Job out to Satan because he is pleased with Him.  Job stands not only as an exception, but as a demonstration that God may allow suffering for reasons beyond our knowledge. 

Want to know more?  Why don't you sign up for the class I am teaching on the Book of Job which starts on February 7th.  Go here to sign up, you'll find it under the Sunday morning classes.

Thank you Don Miller and James-Michael

Two appropriate responses to Pat Robertson's comments about the Earthquake in Haiti:

http://www.examiner.com/x-8276-Methodist-Examiner~y2010m1d13-Haiti-earthquake-due-to-pact-with-the-devil-suggests-Pat-Robertson

http://donmilleris.com/2010/01/13/1513/

Raised with Christ

In the first verse of Colossians 3 Paul writes that we have been raised with Christ.  What does that mean?  It means that the resurrection didn't just happen to Jesus, it happens to us.  And its not just something that happens to us in the future.  In fact, the context of what Paul is saying has to do with resurrection while we are living on earth.  In Paul's words, it involves clothing ourselves with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Above all, Paul says, "put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." 

To be raised with Christ is to be raised to new life in this lifetime.  It means pursuing holiness.  A word that sounds outdated but is still what Christ calls His followers to aim for.  To be raised with Christ is to proclaim that your old selfish ways are dead so that a new you is resurrected that conforms to the image of Christ.  Most people talk about the resurrection as something that happened historically, certainly I believe it did.  I also believe that resurrection is a miracle that God continues to work in the lives of those willing to surrender they're ways to God's ways.

Life of Pi

I just finished reading this book.  It was amazing!  It has so much depth to it.  There are so many layers of meaning in the book.  The best part is the ending, which I do not want to spoil for those who haven't read it.  Just know that if you are going to read it that it is more about you than you initially realize.  It is one of those books that sticks with you for a little while.  Its hard to stop thinking about.  Here's the premise: a 16 year old Indian boy named Pi is the son of a zoo owner.  His family has to move (along with most of the animals) across the ocean and the ship they are on sinks.  Pi finds himself in a lifeboat with a Bengal Tiger.  Did I mention that Pi is a Muslim, Hindu and Christian?  Sounds interesting doesn't it...why don't you check it out for yourself?  Trust me, you will be glad you did.

Sacred or Sacrilegious

My youngest daughter will be two tomorrow.  It reminds me of something funny my older daughter said when she was two.  She was in the bathtub and I had the bright idea to read the Bible to her.  So I started in John and read "the Word became flesh."  She immediately said "I want to flush the toilet."

Recently, we were about to take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's.  The older daughter said to the younger daughter "want to go to Chuck E. Cheese's?"  The younger daughter says "baby Jesus."

Coming from an adult these could be considered sacrilegious.  Coming from kids I consider them sacred.

Christmas Parties

We had our annual Out n About Christmas party.  In case you don't know, the Out n About group is the church's group for older adults.  It was a fun party.  I experienced my first cookie exchange and our very own April Geiger sang Christmas songs while we decorated the boxes the cookies went in.  It sounds kind of cheesy and it was, but it was a good cheesy. 

As always, the food was delicious.  They had this honey turkey that was just amazing.  I really appreciate the group and the joy they bring at this time of year.  I have another Christmas party tonight, it will be much different.  Its a business type of Christmas party.  We are hiring a babysitter.  It will be nice to spend some time with the wife and chat with some of her co-workers.