God’s Providence in Suffering - Don Carson

I suggest that the most conceptually I suggest that the most conceptually difficult of the six pillars was the difficult of the six pillars was the difficult of the six pillars was the fourth with those two propositions fourth with those two propositions fourth with those two propositions concerning the mystery of providence. concerning the mystery of providence. concerning the mystery of providence. And then I offered one implication And then I offered one implication And then I offered one implication um namely um namely um namely the way in the providence of God the way in the providence of God the way in the providence of God suffering granted that it is a fallen suffering granted that it is a fallen suffering granted that it is a fallen world is sometimes used by God to world is sometimes used by God to world is sometimes used by God to prepare us to help others to bring prepare us to help others to bring prepare us to help others to bring comfort with a comfort that we ourselves comfort with a comfort that we ourselves comfort with a comfort that we ourselves have been comforted with. A very Pauline have been comforted with. A very Pauline have been comforted with. A very Pauline notion. I would like to take a few notion. I would like to take a few notion. I would like to take a few moments to tease out some further things moments to tease out some further things moments to tease out some further things that the Bible speaks about that we can that the Bible speaks about that we can that the Bible speaks about that we can conveniently conveniently conveniently locate under this mystery of providence. locate under this mystery of providence. locate under this mystery of providence. Let me run through them fairly quickly. Let me run through them fairly quickly. Let me run through them fairly quickly. So the first one was this preparation of So the first one was this preparation of So the first one was this preparation of believers to help others. Second, believers to help others. Second, believers to help others. Second, suffering as a temporal discipline. suffering as a temporal discipline. suffering as a temporal discipline. That is suffering as part of God's means That is suffering as part of God's means That is suffering as part of God's means of disciplining us.

of disciplining us. of disciplining us. Now again, there are many passages that Now again, there are many passages that Now again, there are many passages that talk this way. Perhaps none more talk this way. Perhaps none more talk this way. Perhaps none more straightforwardly than Hebrews chapter straightforwardly than Hebrews chapter straightforwardly than Hebrews chapter 12, where we're told that every 12, where we're told that every 12, where we're told that every good father disciplines his child. And good father disciplines his child. And good father disciplines his child. And God in particular always disciplines God in particular always disciplines God in particular always disciplines those who love him. So much so that if those who love him. So much so that if those who love him. So much so that if God doesn't discipline you at some God doesn't discipline you at some God doesn't discipline you at some point, the language is very blunt. It point, the language is very blunt. It point, the language is very blunt. It says, "Then you're a bastard. says, "Then you're a bastard. says, "Then you're a bastard. you're a legitimate child because as you're a legitimate child because as you're a legitimate child because as genuine sons and daughters, they they genuine sons and daughters, they they genuine sons and daughters, they they they will be disciplined. God is a good they will be disciplined. God is a good they will be disciplined. God is a good father. father. father. That's very strong language. That means That's very strong language. That means That's very strong language. That means that some of the things we face, some of that some of the things we face, some of that some of the things we face, some of the sufferings we face are part of God's the sufferings we face are part of God's the sufferings we face are part of God's either rebuke or punishment or either rebuke or punishment or either rebuke or punishment or toughening us up. And when you start toughening us up. And when you start toughening us up. And when you start looking for examples in the Bible, looking for examples in the Bible, looking for examples in the Bible, they're not hard to find. they're not hard to find. they're not hard to find. It's true that on occasion sickness, for It's true that on occasion sickness, for It's true that on occasion sickness, for example, may have nothing to do with example, may have nothing to do with example, may have nothing to do with punishment. For example, in John chapter punishment. For example, in John chapter punishment. For example, in John chapter nine, with respect to the man that's nine, with respect to the man that's nine, with respect to the man that's born blind, the disciples haven't got born blind, the disciples haven't got born blind, the disciples haven't got that one figured out yet. And they asked that one figured out yet. And they asked that one figured out yet. And they asked Jesus, "Who sinned? This man or his Jesus, "Who sinned? This man or his Jesus, "Who sinned? This man or his parents that he should be born blind?"

parents that he should be born blind?" parents that he should be born blind?" Now, what they were thinking is pretty Now, what they were thinking is pretty Now, what they were thinking is pretty hard to imagine. This guy sinned, so he hard to imagine. This guy sinned, so he hard to imagine. This guy sinned, so he was born blind. You can imagine him telling a whole lot You can imagine him telling a whole lot of lies in the womb or maybe got of lies in the womb or maybe got of lies in the womb or maybe got punished proactively for what he would I punished proactively for what he would I punished proactively for what he would I mean I don't know what was in their head mean I don't know what was in their head mean I don't know what was in their head wasn't very clear but in any case Jesus wasn't very clear but in any case Jesus wasn't very clear but in any case Jesus says neither says neither says neither this is for the glory of God so not this is for the glory of God so not this is for the glory of God so not every punishment not every sickness is every punishment not every sickness is every punishment not every sickness is directly related to some particular sin directly related to some particular sin directly related to some particular sin on the other that's chapter nine chapter on the other that's chapter nine chapter on the other that's chapter nine chapter five of John's gospel Jesus heals a man five of John's gospel Jesus heals a man five of John's gospel Jesus heals a man who's been paralyzed for 38 years and who's been paralyzed for 38 years and who's been paralyzed for 38 years and after he's healed Jesus says to to him, after he's healed Jesus says to to him, after he's healed Jesus says to to him, go and sin no more. That is along the go and sin no more. That is along the go and sin no more. That is along the line that he has been sinning, lest a line that he has been sinning, lest a line that he has been sinning, lest a worse thing happen to you. The worse thing happen to you. The worse thing happen to you. The unambiguous implication is that this unambiguous implication is that this unambiguous implication is that this paralysis stemmed from particular sin. paralysis stemmed from particular sin. paralysis stemmed from particular sin. Or remember what is said by the apostle Or remember what is said by the apostle Or remember what is said by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chap 11 Paul in 1 Corinthians chap 11 Paul in 1 Corinthians chap 11 there because of some people's approach there because of some people's approach there because of some people's approach to the Lord's table. Paul concludes this to the Lord's table. Paul concludes this to the Lord's table. Paul concludes this is why some of you are sick and some of is why some of you are sick and some of is why some of you are sick and some of you have actually died.

In fact, at the risk of a In fact, at the risk of a generalization, I'm not sure this is generalization, I'm not sure this is generalization, I'm not sure this is always true, but there's a lot of always true, but there's a lot of always true, but there's a lot of biblical evidence for it often being biblical evidence for it often being biblical evidence for it often being true. And I think there's quite a bit true. And I think there's quite a bit true. And I think there's quite a bit from church history that confirms it as from church history that confirms it as from church history that confirms it as well. well. well. By and large, By and large, By and large, when the church is most holy, One of the marks that God is abandoning One of the marks that God is abandoning his people in judicial punishment is his people in judicial punishment is his people in judicial punishment is that there aren't many temporal that there aren't many temporal that there aren't many temporal judgments. It's as if God is saying, judgments. It's as if God is saying, judgments. It's as if God is saying, "Okay, go ahead and do what you want. "Okay, go ahead and do what you want. "Okay, go ahead and do what you want. Watch what happens. So it's when the church is holy just the So it's when the church is holy just the sight of Pentecost that you get the sight of Pentecost that you get the sight of Pentecost that you get the Ananas and Safh episode. Ananas and Safh episode. Ananas and Safh episode. Now if God imposed Ananas and Safara Now if God imposed Ananas and Safara Now if God imposed Ananas and Safara type discipline every time anybody in type discipline every time anybody in type discipline every time anybody in our churches ever told a lie that our churches ever told a lie that our churches ever told a lie that boasted about spiritual realities and boasted about spiritual realities and boasted about spiritual realities and thus was a lie against the Holy Spirit. thus was a lie against the Holy Spirit. thus was a lie against the Holy Spirit. I wonder how many of us would be left I wonder how many of us would be left I wonder how many of us would be left the next Sunday.

the next Sunday. the next Sunday. But it may in fact not be so much a mark But it may in fact not be so much a mark But it may in fact not be so much a mark of of of God's goodness to us that we're not God's goodness to us that we're not God's goodness to us that we're not being chasened as a mark of God's being chasened as a mark of God's being chasened as a mark of God's judgment upon us that we're not being judgment upon us that we're not being judgment upon us that we're not being chasened. And so this means therefore that when we And so this means therefore that when we do suffer, we should not automatically do suffer, we should not automatically do suffer, we should not automatically assume that we're suffering as a direct assume that we're suffering as a direct assume that we're suffering as a direct consequence of some sin. But we should consequence of some sin. But we should consequence of some sin. But we should at least ask the question, is God yelling at us through the is God yelling at us through the megaphone of pain? We should at least megaphone of pain? We should at least megaphone of pain? We should at least ask the question. We shouldn't conclude ask the question. We shouldn't conclude ask the question. We shouldn't conclude too quickly and pretend that we're too quickly and pretend that we're too quickly and pretend that we're guilty for something that we're not guilty for something that we're not guilty for something that we're not guilty for. Remember Job. guilty for. Remember Job. guilty for. Remember Job. But on the other hand, sometimes God is But on the other hand, sometimes God is But on the other hand, sometimes God is curbing us curbing us curbing us and clipping our wings and warning us and clipping our wings and warning us and clipping our wings and warning us and rebuking us. And never out of malice and rebuking us. And never out of malice and rebuking us. And never out of malice or because he's some ghastly father who or because he's some ghastly father who or because he's some ghastly father who takes some huge vicious glee out of takes some huge vicious glee out of takes some huge vicious glee out of being a brutal parent who can beat up on being a brutal parent who can beat up on being a brutal parent who can beat up on us. No, no, no. Hebrews 12 says very us. No, no, no. Hebrews 12 says very us. No, no, no. Hebrews 12 says very emphatically, he does this because he's emphatically, he does this because he's emphatically, he does this because he's the perfect father and he does it out of the perfect father and he does it out of the perfect father and he does it out of love and he cares for us and it's for love and he cares for us and it's for love and he cares for us and it's for our good.

So that's a second So that's a second heading under the mystery of providence heading under the mystery of providence heading under the mystery of providence where we are enable to think a little where we are enable to think a little where we are enable to think a little more profoundly about what we might be more profoundly about what we might be more profoundly about what we might be going through. A third, sometimes, granted that this is a fallen sometimes, granted that this is a fallen and broken world, and broken world, and broken world, how we handle suffering, still trusting how we handle suffering, still trusting how we handle suffering, still trusting him him him gives us a voice of immense authority in gives us a voice of immense authority in gives us a voice of immense authority in our witness. Do you remember the tsunami a number of Do you remember the tsunami a number of years ago? One of the people kills was a young One of the people kills was a young Christian Danish chap and his wife who Christian Danish chap and his wife who Christian Danish chap and his wife who were there on their honeymoon. were there on their honeymoon. were there on their honeymoon. He was training for ministry in Denmark. He was training for ministry in Denmark. He was training for ministry in Denmark. Denmark is an immensely secularized Denmark is an immensely secularized Denmark is an immensely secularized state. His father was a recently retired state. His father was a recently retired state. His father was a recently retired minister in the Danish cabinet whom minister in the Danish cabinet whom minister in the Danish cabinet whom everybody knew to be a Christian and everybody knew to be a Christian and everybody knew to be a Christian and thought he was a bit of an awe duck.

thought he was a bit of an awe duck. thought he was a bit of an awe duck. There aren't many Christians in There aren't many Christians in There aren't many Christians in leadership, genuine believers in leadership, genuine believers in leadership, genuine believers in leadership in in Denmark. So he was leadership in in Denmark. So he was leadership in in Denmark. So he was asked on national television how he was asked on national television how he was asked on national television how he was going to justify going to justify going to justify his belief in God in the light of losing his belief in God in the light of losing his belief in God in the light of losing his son and daughter-in-law on their his son and daughter-in-law on their his son and daughter-in-law on their honeymoon of all things. and it's honeymoon of all things. and it's honeymoon of all things. and it's tsunami with countless thousands of tsunami with countless thousands of tsunami with countless thousands of others. How would he handle that? And on national television, he quietly And on national television, he quietly said, "I don't know, "I don't know, except I do know that except I do know that except I do know that the God I serve sent his son who died the God I serve sent his son who died the God I serve sent his son who died most horribly so that I might be most horribly so that I might be most horribly so that I might be forgiven." And every time they pushed him, he went And every time they pushed him, he went back to the cross. Every time all of Denmark was stilled under the all of Denmark was stilled under the integrity of the man's quiet faith.

And then he would add things like, "And And then he would add things like, "And of course, I do know I shall see my son of course, I do know I shall see my son of course, I do know I shall see my son again. It's not a final goodbye again. It's not a final goodbye again. It's not a final goodbye because the Christ I serve who suffered because the Christ I serve who suffered because the Christ I serve who suffered so much for me rose from the dead. And so much for me rose from the dead. And so much for me rose from the dead. And that was just the beginning of a great that was just the beginning of a great that was just the beginning of a great resurrection at the end of the age. resurrection at the end of the age. resurrection at the end of the age. And so you see everything they threw at And so you see everything they threw at And so you see everything they threw at him, he turned around to make Christ him, he turned around to make Christ him, he turned around to make Christ centered, the cross, the resurrection, centered, the cross, the resurrection, centered, the cross, the resurrection, the final hope. the final hope. the final hope. Now, I'm not saying the tsunami was a Now, I'm not saying the tsunami was a Now, I'm not saying the tsunami was a good thing. I'm not saying the son, the good thing. I'm not saying the son, the good thing. I'm not saying the son, the death of the son was a good thing. But death of the son was a good thing. But death of the son was a good thing. But nevertheless, in the mystery of God's nevertheless, in the mystery of God's nevertheless, in the mystery of God's providence, providence, providence, sometimes God uses these things to sometimes God uses these things to sometimes God uses these things to enable people to speak with a kind of enable people to speak with a kind of enable people to speak with a kind of clarity and credibility to a watching clarity and credibility to a watching clarity and credibility to a watching world that they never ever have were not world that they never ever have were not world that they never ever have were not for those things. And then sometimes for those of us And then sometimes for those of us who have watched people die, who have watched people die, who have watched people die, suffering can serve in God's good suffering can serve in God's good suffering can serve in God's good providence to make us homesick for providence to make us homesick for providence to make us homesick for heaven.

You watch people You watch people who have had really remarkably good who have had really remarkably good who have had really remarkably good health suddenly be diagnosed with, let's health suddenly be diagnosed with, let's health suddenly be diagnosed with, let's say, a brain tumor, which in all say, a brain tumor, which in all say, a brain tumor, which in all likelihood is going to take you out in likelihood is going to take you out in likelihood is going to take you out in two years. two years. two years. And because they've had good health all And because they've had good health all And because they've had good health all their lives, they're only 56. their lives, they're only 56. their lives, they're only 56. And it all seems so unjust. They might And it all seems so unjust. They might And it all seems so unjust. They might fight it tooth and nail, tooth and nail. fight it tooth and nail, tooth and nail. fight it tooth and nail, tooth and nail. I will beat this one. They're not yet ready for heaven. Maybe They're not yet ready for heaven. Maybe they ought to be. Maybe they ought to be they ought to be. Maybe they ought to be they ought to be. Maybe they ought to be hungry for resurrection existence. hungry for resurrection existence. hungry for resurrection existence. Maybe. Maybe. But you know what actually Maybe. Maybe. But you know what actually Maybe. Maybe. But you know what actually prepares them? The older you get, The older you get, the more wrinkles you have. the more wrinkles you have. the more wrinkles you have. the more replaced joints, the more replaced joints, the more replaced joints, the number of bypasses, the number of bypasses, the number of bypasses, the onset of senelity. Let me tell you, the onset of senelity. Let me tell you, the onset of senelity. Let me tell you, the resurrection body starts looking the resurrection body starts looking the resurrection body starts looking awfully good.

You know what I mean? You know what I mean? It can be a great mercy to go through It can be a great mercy to go through It can be a great mercy to go through just enough that you start thinking in just enough that you start thinking in just enough that you start thinking in transcendental terms rather than acting transcendental terms rather than acting transcendental terms rather than acting as too many of us do as if this life is as too many of us do as if this life is as too many of us do as if this life is all there is. all there is. all there is. One of the things that suffering does do One of the things that suffering does do One of the things that suffering does do is free us up a bit to remember that is free us up a bit to remember that is free us up a bit to remember that second pillar second pillar second pillar that is there are some implications from that is there are some implications from that is there are some implications from the end. If you have had different kinds of If you have had different kinds of deaths in your family, you know that deaths in your family, you know that deaths in your family, you know that these things come and hit you in these things come and hit you in these things come and hit you in different ways. My mother died after different ways. My mother died after different ways. My mother died after years and years of Alzheimer's. By the end, there was nothing there. By the end, there was nothing there. Even six months, three months before the Even six months, three months before the Even six months, three months before the end, when she couldn't say anything, end, when she couldn't say anything, end, when she couldn't say anything, when her stare was vacant, if you held when her stare was vacant, if you held when her stare was vacant, if you held her hand and sang an old piece, her hand and sang an old piece, her hand and sang an old piece, blessed assurance, blessed assurance, blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.

Jesus is mine. Jesus is mine. Get a little squeeze. quote King James version at her. That's quote King James version at her. That's what she was brought up in. Get a little what she was brought up in. Get a little what she was brought up in. Get a little squeeze. Hold up the pictures of the Hold up the pictures of the grandchildren. She didn't have a clue. But gradually everything goes. It's just But gradually everything goes. It's just gone. And when she dies, let me tell you quite And when she dies, let me tell you quite frankly, there not a lot of tears left. So in one sense her long illness not at So in one sense her long illness not at all pleasant all pleasant all pleasant actually prepared her family for her going into eternity. By for her going into eternity. By contrast, my father, contrast, my father, contrast, my father, he started preaching again the age of 78 he started preaching again the age of 78 he started preaching again the age of 78 or 79 after mom died or 79 after mom died or 79 after mom died and then he went from preaching a sermon and then he went from preaching a sermon and then he went from preaching a sermon to dead in 6 weeks.

Now, in one sense, that was a better way Now, in one sense, that was a better way to go from his point of view. I'm sure to go from his point of view. I'm sure to go from his point of view. I'm sure was also harder on the family. was also harder on the family. was also harder on the family. in a strange way in a strange way in a strange way less time for goodbyes and the like. Did less time for goodbyes and the like. Did less time for goodbyes and the like. Did you you know in the peculiar mix of you you know in the peculiar mix of you you know in the peculiar mix of things under God's sovereignty in a things under God's sovereignty in a things under God's sovereignty in a sense sometimes these painful things to sense sometimes these painful things to sense sometimes these painful things to go through go through go through are part of God's preparing either the are part of God's preparing either the are part of God's preparing either the person or the family for a little bit of person or the family for a little bit of person or the family for a little bit of homesickness homesickness homesickness for the new heaven and the new earth. for the new heaven and the new earth. for the new heaven and the new earth. That's not all bad. Oh, and none of it's That's not all bad. Oh, and none of it's That's not all bad. Oh, and none of it's good. None of it's good. I I I know that good. None of it's good. I I I know that good. None of it's good. I I I know that this is a sin- cursed world. But granted this is a sin- cursed world. But granted this is a sin- cursed world. But granted that nevertheless, God and his that nevertheless, God and his that nevertheless, God and his providence sometimes uses even these providence sometimes uses even these providence sometimes uses even these things to make us reorientate our things to make us reorientate our things to make us reorientate our visions and hopes and and and visions and hopes and and and visions and hopes and and and aspirations and and and sense of aspirations and and and sense of aspirations and and and sense of belonging. And then sometimes these sorts of things And then sometimes these sorts of things also give us occasion to testify to God's goodness before a watching to God's goodness before a watching world. Either God's goodness be because world. Either God's goodness be because world. Either God's goodness be because he has taken us out of them or God's he has taken us out of them or God's he has taken us out of them or God's goodness because he's added more grace.

goodness because he's added more grace. goodness because he's added more grace. So on the one hand Psalm 40 So on the one hand Psalm 40 So on the one hand Psalm 40 I suggest when this is over you go home I suggest when this is over you go home I suggest when this is over you go home and read it and reread it. This is where and read it and reread it. This is where and read it and reread it. This is where the psalmist said he that he he was in a the psalmist said he that he he was in a the psalmist said he that he he was in a miry bog. He was in a slimy bog and God miry bog. He was in a slimy bog and God miry bog. He was in a slimy bog and God took him out and put his feet on a safe took him out and put his feet on a safe took him out and put his feet on a safe place. And and many shall see it and be place. And and many shall see it and be place. And and many shall see it and be glad. As a consequence, David has a new glad. As a consequence, David has a new glad. As a consequence, David has a new song in his mouth, a new song in his song in his mouth, a new song in his song in his mouth, a new song in his heart. And and because of this, he says, heart. And and because of this, he says, heart. And and because of this, he says, "I will not keep quiet in the "I will not keep quiet in the "I will not keep quiet in the congregation. I will talk about it." Did congregation. I will talk about it." Did congregation. I will talk about it." Did you see? It becomes an occasion for you see? It becomes an occasion for you see? It becomes an occasion for praise to God. On the other hand, in 2 praise to God. On the other hand, in 2 praise to God. On the other hand, in 2 Corinthians 12, there's the Apostle Paul Corinthians 12, there's the Apostle Paul Corinthians 12, there's the Apostle Paul with this thorn in the flesh, this with this thorn in the flesh, this with this thorn in the flesh, this messenger from Satan, and he prays messenger from Satan, and he prays messenger from Satan, and he prays earnestly that God will take it away. earnestly that God will take it away. earnestly that God will take it away. And God says, "Nope, not going to." And God says, "Nope, not going to." And God says, "Nope, not going to." Well, so he prays some more, three times Well, so he prays some more, three times Well, so he prays some more, three times earnestly. earnestly. earnestly. And God says, Paul, And God says, Paul, And God says, Paul, my grace is sufficient for you. my grace is sufficient for you. my grace is sufficient for you. Therefore, Paul says, "I will the more Therefore, Paul says, "I will the more Therefore, Paul says, "I will the more readily glorify in my weakness. I will readily glorify in my weakness. I will readily glorify in my weakness. I will boast in my weakness that the strength boast in my weakness that the strength boast in my weakness that the strength of Christ may be manifest in me."

of Christ may be manifest in me." of Christ may be manifest in me." Isn't that incredible? Paul has actually got to the place in Paul has actually got to the place in his suffering where he sees that the his suffering where he sees that the his suffering where he sees that the weakness, God himself in his sovereignty weakness, God himself in his sovereignty weakness, God himself in his sovereignty is putting him through is putting him through is putting him through may be an advantage so that Paul will may be an advantage so that Paul will may be an advantage so that Paul will learn that God's strength is manifested learn that God's strength is manifested learn that God's strength is manifested in our weakness. Do you ever feel every once in a while? Do you ever feel every once in a while? Do you ever feel every once in a while, Do you ever feel every once in a while, Do you ever feel every once in a while, regardless of what kind of work you do regardless of what kind of work you do regardless of what kind of work you do or what kind of ministry you have in the or what kind of ministry you have in the or what kind of ministry you have in the church, you know, I know that I can do church, you know, I know that I can do church, you know, I know that I can do this. I know I can teach a Sunday school this. I know I can teach a Sunday school this. I know I can teach a Sunday school class. I I know that I'm handling, you class. I I know that I'm handling, you class. I I know that I'm handling, you know, the old folks home visitation. I know, the old folks home visitation. I know, the old folks home visitation. I know that whatever it is you're doing, I know that whatever it is you're doing, I know that whatever it is you're doing, I don't really care. But you sometimes don't really care. But you sometimes don't really care. But you sometimes think, think, think, but boy, I'd be a lot better at it if but boy, I'd be a lot better at it if but boy, I'd be a lot better at it if only I and then you put in some nice only I and then you put in some nice only I and then you put in some nice thing. Or it could be in a sport, too. I'd be Or it could be in a sport, too. I'd be really really good if I didn't have this really really good if I didn't have this really really good if I didn't have this this this really weak knee.

I I'd be a lot more effective in my I I'd be a lot more effective in my investment business when I made a formal investment business when I made a formal investment business when I made a formal presentation if I didn't have this presentation if I didn't have this presentation if I didn't have this really ugly mole on my face. I if only I were improved in this area, I if only I were improved in this area, you know, if if if I had a really first you know, if if if I had a really first you know, if if if I had a really first class education, I'd be a better class education, I'd be a better class education, I'd be a better preacher. In fact, with my background, preacher. In fact, with my background, preacher. In fact, with my background, not such a hot education after all. I'm not such a hot education after all. I'm not such a hot education after all. I'm I'm really sorry. I wish I'd had a lot I'm really sorry. I wish I'd had a lot I'm really sorry. I wish I'd had a lot more. It would have made me a lot more more. It would have made me a lot more more. It would have made me a lot more effective. Did you ever think like that? effective. Did you ever think like that? effective. Did you ever think like that? You you you make up your own example. You you you make up your own example. You you you make up your own example. Don't most of us think like that at some Don't most of us think like that at some Don't most of us think like that at some time. As if God weren't in charge. As if God weren't in charge. As if God weren't sovereign. As if God As if God weren't sovereign. As if God As if God weren't sovereign. As if God didn't know about the bad knee and the didn't know about the bad knee and the didn't know about the bad knee and the mole and the stutter and the education mole and the stutter and the education mole and the stutter and the education and all the other things. But the fact of the matter is in 2 But the fact of the matter is in 2 Corinthians 12, Paul understands. He Corinthians 12, Paul understands. He Corinthians 12, Paul understands. He learns. He learns that when he is given He learns that when he is given wonderful, spectacularly great wonderful, spectacularly great wonderful, spectacularly great revelations that others haven't had.

revelations that others haven't had. revelations that others haven't had. It's a mark of the grace of God in his It's a mark of the grace of God in his It's a mark of the grace of God in his life that God has also given him life that God has also given him life that God has also given him sufferings that others haven't had. sufferings that others haven't had. sufferings that others haven't had. Because otherwise, he said, I I would be Because otherwise, he said, I I would be Because otherwise, he said, I I would be tempted to be really really arrogant. tempted to be really really arrogant. tempted to be really really arrogant. It's to keep me, he says, from It's to keep me, he says, from It's to keep me, he says, from from arrogance because of the things I from arrogance because of the things I from arrogance because of the things I have received. He wants to make sure have received. He wants to make sure have received. He wants to make sure that nobody will think more of him that nobody will think more of him that nobody will think more of him than measuring him by what he says and than measuring him by what he says and than measuring him by what he says and does. Do you hear that? Most of us go does. Do you hear that? Most of us go does. Do you hear that? Most of us go through life fearing that people will through life fearing that people will through life fearing that people will not think enough of us. not think enough of us. not think enough of us. Paul goes through life fearing that Paul goes through life fearing that Paul goes through life fearing that people will think too much. people will think too much. people will think too much. If he's got to be assessed at all, let If he's got to be assessed at all, let If he's got to be assessed at all, let them assess him not by some secret them assess him not by some secret them assess him not by some secret revelation that he's had or some revelation that he's had or some revelation that he's had or some esoteric claim to another Damascus road esoteric claim to another Damascus road esoteric claim to another Damascus road experience. Let them assess him just by experience. Let them assess him just by experience. Let them assess him just by what he does in the public arena, what what he does in the public arena, what what he does in the public arena, what he says and does. And meanwhile, if God he says and does. And meanwhile, if God he says and does. And meanwhile, if God gives him this thorn in the flesh, this gives him this thorn in the flesh, this gives him this thorn in the flesh, this messenger from Satan, well, I will glory messenger from Satan, well, I will glory messenger from Satan, well, I will glory in it. He says, "Because in it. He says, "Because in it. He says, "Because I learn thereby that God's strength is I learn thereby that God's strength is I learn thereby that God's strength is perfected in my weakness."

perfected in my weakness." perfected in my weakness." Which means somewhere along the line, Which means somewhere along the line, Which means somewhere along the line, you got to glory in your molds. You got to glory in your awkwardness and You got to glory in your awkwardness and the wrinkles and all the rest because the wrinkles and all the rest because the wrinkles and all the rest because that's the context in which God uses that's the context in which God uses that's the context in which God uses you. And if you were so stunningly you. And if you were so stunningly you. And if you were so stunningly beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, so magnificently a hunk so magnificently a hunk so magnificently a hunk all your hair after all and built and all your hair after all and built and all your hair after all and built and swift with your tongue and bright and a swift with your tongue and bright and a swift with your tongue and bright and a first class educ and really good with first class educ and really good with first class educ and really good with your hands and charm coming out your your hands and charm coming out your your hands and charm coming out your little fingers and and and such such a little fingers and and and such such a little fingers and and and such such a gift of the gab and and and so gift of the gab and and and so gift of the gab and and and so persuasive in all of your work and and persuasive in all of your work and and persuasive in all of your work and and rich so that you can be generous. Yes. rich so that you can be generous. Yes. rich so that you can be generous. Yes. And don't have to depend on anybody and And don't have to depend on anybody and And don't have to depend on anybody and a really excellent Bible teacher and a really excellent Bible teacher and a really excellent Bible teacher and really really good with young people. really really good with young people. really really good with young people. Oh, no. What sort of arrogant son of a Oh, no. What sort of arrogant son of a Oh, no. What sort of arrogant son of a gun would you be?

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. God is so No, no, no, no, no, no, no. God is so wise. This is a fallen and broken world. wise. This is a fallen and broken world. wise. This is a fallen and broken world. We're looking for all the wrong things. We're looking for all the wrong things. We're looking for all the wrong things. And the mystery of God's providence even And the mystery of God's providence even And the mystery of God's providence even in those things that we go through with in those things that we go through with in those things that we go through with life, they are all part of teaching us a life, they are all part of teaching us a life, they are all part of teaching us a certain kind of dependence on grace. certain kind of dependence on grace. certain kind of dependence on grace. So, so that we learn to be grateful for So, so that we learn to be grateful for So, so that we learn to be grateful for the things God has given us and learn to the things God has given us and learn to the things God has given us and learn to be grateful for the weaknesses we have be grateful for the weaknesses we have be grateful for the weaknesses we have too because because God delights in too because because God delights in too because because God delights in doing things through us when we're not doing things through us when we're not doing things through us when we're not all that bright and not all that clever all that bright and not all that clever all that bright and not all that clever and not all that powerful, not all that and not all that powerful, not all that and not all that powerful, not all that good-looking and not all that good-looking and not all that good-looking and not all that intelligent and then he does things intelligent and then he does things intelligent and then he does things through us in any case because God will through us in any case because God will through us in any case because God will not give his glory to anybody. So that whether in the case of a David So that whether in the case of a David in Psalm 40 where God does take him out in Psalm 40 where God does take him out in Psalm 40 where God does take him out of the muck and plants his feet on a of the muck and plants his feet on a of the muck and plants his feet on a rock or in the case of a Paul in two rock or in the case of a Paul in two rock or in the case of a Paul in two Corinthians where God doesn't take him Corinthians where God doesn't take him Corinthians where God doesn't take him out of the muck but just adds more out of the muck but just adds more out of the muck but just adds more grace. In both cases, it becomes a grace. In both cases, it becomes a grace. In both cases, it becomes a reason for public testimony to the grace reason for public testimony to the grace reason for public testimony to the grace of God, the sustaining strength of God, of God, the sustaining strength of God, of God, the sustaining strength of God, the goodness of God in our lives, which the goodness of God in our lives, which the goodness of God in our lives, which we would not be able to articulate if we we would not be able to articulate if we we would not be able to articulate if we were so full of confidence and were so full of confidence and were so full of confidence and smoothness and giddy success all the smoothness and giddy success all the smoothness and giddy success all the time that we thought somehow we had all time that we thought somehow we had all time that we thought somehow we had all of life nicely tapped. Thank you. It of life nicely tapped. Thank you. It of life nicely tapped. Thank you. It would merely become an excuse for one would merely become an excuse for one would merely become an excuse for one more round of idolatry.

Well, much more could be said. I'll let Well, much more could be said. I'll let that pass. The mystery of providence. that pass. The mystery of providence. that pass. The mystery of providence. Number five. Insights Number five. Insights Number five. Insights from the centrality of the incarnation from the centrality of the incarnation from the centrality of the incarnation and the cross. Insights from the centrality of the Insights from the centrality of the incarnation and the cross. And I include incarnation and the cross. And I include incarnation and the cross. And I include here the cross, the resurrection, all here the cross, the resurrection, all here the cross, the resurrection, all that flows from it. I wish we had the time to go through I wish we had the time to go through passage after passage passage after passage passage after passage where biblical texts speak of the person where biblical texts speak of the person where biblical texts speak of the person and work of Christ. When I was a boy, we sang, "What grace When I was a boy, we sang, "What grace is this that brought my Savior down? is this that brought my Savior down? is this that brought my Savior down? That made him stoop to leave his throne That made him stoop to leave his throne That made him stoop to leave his throne and crown. and crown. and crown. The one who made the stars the sea. The The one who made the stars the sea. The The one who made the stars the sea. The one who threw out every galaxy. What one who threw out every galaxy. What one who threw out every galaxy. What condescension. Oh, how can it be? What condescension. Oh, how can it be? What condescension. Oh, how can it be? What pain he suffered and what agony when on pain he suffered and what agony when on pain he suffered and what agony when on the cross he died for sinners crucified.

the cross he died for sinners crucified. the cross he died for sinners crucified. What grace is this? What grace is this? What grace is this? What grace is this? The word The word became flesh God God making himself present among us. making himself present among us. making himself present among us. And then after this long section in And then after this long section in And then after this long section in Romans 3:18 to 118 to 3:20 that talks Romans 3:18 to 118 to 3:20 that talks Romans 3:18 to 118 to 3:20 that talks about sinfulness. One of the great about sinfulness. One of the great about sinfulness. One of the great atonement passages in the New Testament, atonement passages in the New Testament, atonement passages in the New Testament, Romans 3:21-26. The passage that Luther Romans 3:21-26. The passage that Luther Romans 3:21-26. The passage that Luther called the central point of the epistle called the central point of the epistle called the central point of the epistle to the Romans and of the whole Bible. Work your way carefully through Romans Work your way carefully through Romans 3:21-26. 3:21-26. 3:21-26. I I wish I had time to expound that for I I wish I had time to expound that for I I wish I had time to expound that for about an hour and a half about an hour and a half about an hour and a half where the whole point is that where the whole point is that where the whole point is that God God God presented Christ presented Christ presented Christ as as as the propitiation, the sacrifice the propitiation, the sacrifice the propitiation, the sacrifice that turns God's wroth away from that turns God's wroth away from that turns God's wroth away from us us us so that God could simultaneously so that God could simultaneously so that God could simultaneously be just and the one who justifies us.

be just and the one who justifies us. be just and the one who justifies us. The trouble is that sentence is so rich The trouble is that sentence is so rich The trouble is that sentence is so rich and so full of God talk and theological and so full of God talk and theological and so full of God talk and theological vocabulary that vocabulary that vocabulary that that we hear the words and recognize that we hear the words and recognize that we hear the words and recognize that they're sort of pious and they wash that they're sort of pious and they wash that they're sort of pious and they wash over us, but they don't they don't mean over us, but they don't they don't mean over us, but they don't they don't mean a lot. Let let me just unpack that a a lot. Let let me just unpack that a a lot. Let let me just unpack that a little bit. little bit. little bit. Do you know the difference between Do you know the difference between Do you know the difference between propitiation and expation? propitiation and expation? propitiation and expation? Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes. No. Not sure. Not sure. Not sure. A few confident yeses. A lot of blank A few confident yeses. A lot of blank A few confident yeses. A lot of blank stairs. It's after lunchdon. What do you stairs. It's after lunchdon. What do you stairs. It's after lunchdon. What do you expect? expect? expect? Let let me unpack the difference between Let let me unpack the difference between Let let me unpack the difference between experation and propation. It's very experation and propation. It's very experation and propation. It's very important. In experation, In experation, God cancels sin. The object of expeation God cancels sin. The object of expeation God cancels sin. The object of expeation is sin. God expates sin. He cancels sin. is sin. God expates sin. He cancels sin. is sin. God expates sin. He cancels sin. in propitiation. Well, that's tricky. In the pagan world Well, that's tricky. In the pagan world where you have lots and lots of gods and where you have lots and lots of gods and where you have lots and lots of gods and godlets, godlets, godlets, then the idea is that the sacrificer then the idea is that the sacrificer then the idea is that the sacrificer propitiates one of these gods in order propitiates one of these gods in order propitiates one of these gods in order to get their favor. That is, the effort to get their favor. That is, the effort to get their favor. That is, the effort is to make the gods propitious, is to make the gods propitious, is to make the gods propitious, favorable. It's an effort to make the favorable. It's an effort to make the favorable. It's an effort to make the gods smile on us. Pagan religion is a gods smile on us. Pagan religion is a gods smile on us. Pagan religion is a tit fortat religion. I scratch my back, tit fortat religion. I scratch my back, tit fortat religion. I scratch my back, you scratch your I scratch your back, you scratch your I scratch your back, you scratch your I scratch your back, you scratch my back. Do you see? So, you you scratch my back. Do you see? So, you you scratch my back. Do you see? So, you want to make a sea voyage, you go and want to make a sea voyage, you go and want to make a sea voyage, you go and offer up a sacrifice to the god of the

offer up a sacrifice to the god of the offer up a sacrifice to the god of the sea, Neptune, in the hope that the god sea, Neptune, in the hope that the god sea, Neptune, in the hope that the god of the sea will smile on you and give of the sea will smile on you and give of the sea will smile on you and give you a safe passage to Tarish. Did you you a safe passage to Tarish. Did you you a safe passage to Tarish. Did you see that's what you do? If you're going see that's what you do? If you're going see that's what you do? If you're going to give a speech, then you offer a nice to give a speech, then you offer a nice to give a speech, then you offer a nice sacrifice to the god of communication, sacrifice to the god of communication, sacrifice to the god of communication, Hermes in the Greek world, Mercury in Hermes in the Greek world, Mercury in Hermes in the Greek world, Mercury in the Latin world, because you want the the Latin world, because you want the the Latin world, because you want the God of communication to bless you in God of communication to bless you in God of communication to bless you in your endeavor. You try to propitiate the your endeavor. You try to propitiate the your endeavor. You try to propitiate the god. Do you say to make the god god. Do you say to make the god god. Do you say to make the god favorable? But how can you speak of God presenting But how can you speak of God presenting Christ to be a propitiation? Christ to be a propitiation? Christ to be a propitiation? That was a question that was raised by a That was a question that was raised by a That was a question that was raised by a very pious liberal in the 1930s in very pious liberal in the 1930s in very pious liberal in the 1930s in Britain. His name was CH Dodd. He said, Britain. His name was CH Dodd. He said, Britain. His name was CH Dodd. He said, "Listen, read the Bible. "Listen, read the Bible. "Listen, read the Bible. God so loved the world that he gave his God so loved the world that he gave his God so loved the world that he gave his son. son. son. If God already loves the world so much If God already loves the world so much If God already loves the world so much that he gave his son, how can the giving that he gave his son, how can the giving that he gave his son, how can the giving of the son make God propitious?

of the son make God propitious? of the son make God propitious? He's already so favorable that he gives He's already so favorable that he gives He's already so favorable that he gives the son. the son. the son. How can the death of the son then make How can the death of the son then make How can the death of the son then make God favorable? God favorable? God favorable? How how can you do that? He's already How how can you do that? He's already How how can you do that? He's already favorable. And therefore the word that favorable. And therefore the word that favorable. And therefore the word that is found in our Bibles today in Romans 3 is found in our Bibles today in Romans 3 is found in our Bibles today in Romans 3 24 and 25 propitiation. He says it can't 24 and 25 propitiation. He says it can't 24 and 25 propitiation. He says it can't be propitiation. It must be expation. be propitiation. It must be expation. be propitiation. It must be expation. There's no sense in which Christ's cross There's no sense in which Christ's cross There's no sense in which Christ's cross word propitiates God because after all word propitiates God because after all word propitiates God because after all God is already so propitious already God is already so propitious already God is already so propitious already that he gave his son. However, However, in that case, what do you do with the in that case, what do you do with the in that case, what do you do with the fact that the previous two and a half fact that the previous two and a half fact that the previous two and a half chapters have all talked about the wroth chapters have all talked about the wroth chapters have all talked about the wroth of God? of God? of God? The God who loves the world so much he The God who loves the world so much he The God who loves the world so much he sends his son is also the God described sends his son is also the God described sends his son is also the God described in these chapters as the God who stands in these chapters as the God who stands in these chapters as the God who stands over against us in wroth. God reveals over against us in wroth. God reveals over against us in wroth. God reveals his wroth from heaven against all his wroth from heaven against all his wroth from heaven against all wickedness of wicked people who suppress wickedness of wicked people who suppress wickedness of wicked people who suppress the truth and unrighteousness. What do the truth and unrighteousness. What do the truth and unrighteousness. What do you do with that? And so this produced a long debate and And so this produced a long debate and went on actually for decades.

went on actually for decades. went on actually for decades. For those of you who read theology For those of you who read theology For those of you who read theology books, one of the more important books, one of the more important books, one of the more important contributions in 1960s was by an contributions in 1960s was by an contributions in 1960s was by an Australian called Leon Morris, who wrote Australian called Leon Morris, who wrote Australian called Leon Morris, who wrote a book, The Apostolic Preaching of the a book, The Apostolic Preaching of the a book, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross. Still worth selling your shirt Cross. Still worth selling your shirt Cross. Still worth selling your shirt for and buying. A more recent book for and buying. A more recent book for and buying. A more recent book edited by Mike Oie and friends, Pierced edited by Mike Oie and friends, Pierced edited by Mike Oie and friends, Pierced for Our Transgressions. Still worth for Our Transgressions. Still worth for Our Transgressions. Still worth reading and buying. reading and buying. reading and buying. What they pointed out was how regularly What they pointed out was how regularly What they pointed out was how regularly this notion of propitiation, that is the this notion of propitiation, that is the this notion of propitiation, that is the word that's used, is found in contexts word that's used, is found in contexts word that's used, is found in contexts that speak of God's wroth. For the fact of the matter is that For the fact of the matter is that biblically speaking, biblically speaking, biblically speaking, God stands over against us in wroth God stands over against us in wroth God stands over against us in wroth because he is holy. Hence the 600 times because he is holy. Hence the 600 times because he is holy. Hence the 600 times that the Bible speaks of the wroth of that the Bible speaks of the wroth of that the Bible speaks of the wroth of God. Hence everything that flows out of God. Hence everything that flows out of God. Hence everything that flows out of Genesis 3 in the first pillar. God does Genesis 3 in the first pillar. God does Genesis 3 in the first pillar. God does stand over against us in wroth. He would stand over against us in wroth. He would stand over against us in wroth. He would not be a nicer or better or superior God not be a nicer or better or superior God not be a nicer or better or superior God if he really said to all sinners if he really said to all sinners if he really said to all sinners everywhere starting with me and ending everywhere starting with me and ending everywhere starting with me and ending up with Hitler or anywhere else in up with Hitler or anywhere else in up with Hitler or anywhere else in between, um, I don't really care what between, um, I don't really care what between, um, I don't really care what you do. You know, I'm a nice sort of you do. You know, I'm a nice sort of you do. You know, I'm a nice sort of goddy, so I I will I will just smile and goddy, so I I will I will just smile and goddy, so I I will I will just smile and it will it won't matter. In fact, he's a it will it won't matter. In fact, he's a it will it won't matter. In fact, he's a holy God and it does matter and he does holy God and it does matter and he does holy God and it does matter and he does care when his name is bismerched.

He stands over against us in raw, but He stands over against us in raw, but he stands over against us in love. he stands over against us in love. he stands over against us in love. He's the God who cries, "Turn, turn. Why He's the God who cries, "Turn, turn. Why He's the God who cries, "Turn, turn. Why will you die?" The Lord has no pleasure will you die?" The Lord has no pleasure will you die?" The Lord has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He's He's the God who cries, "Turn, He's He's the God who cries, "Turn, turn, be saved, you ends of the earth." turn, be saved, you ends of the earth." turn, be saved, you ends of the earth." He's the God of whom it is said, "God so He's the God of whom it is said, "God so He's the God of whom it is said, "God so loved the world that he gave his son." loved the world that he gave his son." loved the world that he gave his son." He stands against us in wroth because we He stands against us in wroth because we He stands against us in wroth because we are sinners. He stands over against us are sinners. He stands over against us are sinners. He stands over against us in love because he's that kind of God. And although his invitation is to all, And although his invitation is to all, he stands in a peculiar relationship he stands in a peculiar relationship he stands in a peculiar relationship of love to those whom he draws to of love to those whom he draws to of love to those whom he draws to himself by the power of his spirit. himself by the power of his spirit. himself by the power of his spirit. Not because we're any better, anybody Not because we're any better, anybody Not because we're any better, anybody else, else, else, but he is that kind of God. but he is that kind of God. but he is that kind of God. So that when you read these verses in So that when you read these verses in So that when you read these verses in Romans 3, you're supposed to see Romans 3, you're supposed to see Romans 3, you're supposed to see God stands against us in wrath from the God stands against us in wrath from the God stands against us in wrath from the previous three chapters. And now God previous three chapters. And now God previous three chapters. And now God sets forth his son to be the sets forth his son to be the sets forth his son to be the propitiating sacrifice. The one who by propitiating sacrifice. The one who by propitiating sacrifice. The one who by his death by taking our sin and our his death by taking our sin and our his death by taking our sin and our guilt upon himself guilt upon himself guilt upon himself turns aside the father's righteous wroth turns aside the father's righteous wroth turns aside the father's righteous wroth so that God can be seen to be just while so that God can be seen to be just while so that God can be seen to be just while justifying the ungodly.

justifying the ungodly. justifying the ungodly. So that God can be just, vindicated So that God can be just, vindicated So that God can be just, vindicated while justifying the ungodly. while justifying the ungodly. while justifying the ungodly. I'll tell you one of the reasons why I'll tell you one of the reasons why I'll tell you one of the reasons why this is a little hard for us to see this is a little hard for us to see this is a little hard for us to see sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. Have you ever used the uh illustration Have you ever used the uh illustration Have you ever used the uh illustration when you've been explaining when you've been explaining when you've been explaining substitutionary atonement to your substitutionary atonement to your substitutionary atonement to your friends? Have you ever used this friends? Have you ever used this friends? Have you ever used this explanation? It's a bit like a judge who explanation? It's a bit like a judge who explanation? It's a bit like a judge who pronounces sentence on some nasty piece pronounces sentence on some nasty piece pronounces sentence on some nasty piece of work and um it might be 5 years in of work and um it might be 5 years in of work and um it might be 5 years in prison or a fine of 50,000 or what prison or a fine of 50,000 or what prison or a fine of 50,000 or what whatever he pronounces he pronounces whatever he pronounces he pronounces whatever he pronounces he pronounces the verdict and sentences the bloke and the verdict and sentences the bloke and the verdict and sentences the bloke and then he steps off the bench takes off then he steps off the bench takes off then he steps off the bench takes off his robes and goes down and goes to his robes and goes down and goes to his robes and goes down and goes to prison himself or pays the fine himself. prison himself or pays the fine himself. prison himself or pays the fine himself. It's that kind of substitution. Have you It's that kind of substitution. Have you It's that kind of substitution. Have you ever used that that that kind of ever used that that that kind of ever used that that that kind of illustration? In one sense, that illustration? In one sense, that illustration? In one sense, that illustration is good. It shows something illustration is good. It shows something illustration is good. It shows something of the substitution that takes place. of the substitution that takes place. of the substitution that takes place. Instead of that person bearing the sin Instead of that person bearing the sin Instead of that person bearing the sin and the blame, never the judge himself and the blame, never the judge himself and the blame, never the judge himself takes it.

takes it. takes it. But but do you know why it rings so But but do you know why it rings so But but do you know why it rings so false in our ears this illustration? false in our ears this illustration? false in our ears this illustration? Because in our ears, the judge is the Because in our ears, the judge is the Because in our ears, the judge is the administrator of a larger system. administrator of a larger system. administrator of a larger system. The judge is never the offended party. The judge is never the offended party. The judge is never the offended party. If a mugger mugs a judge, the judge is If a mugger mugs a judge, the judge is If a mugger mugs a judge, the judge is supposed to recuse himself or herself supposed to recuse himself or herself supposed to recuse himself or herself from the case- from the case- from the case- because because legally the mugger has because because legally the mugger has because because legally the mugger has offended against the state or against offended against the state or against offended against the state or against the laws of the land or in a monarchy the laws of the land or in a monarchy the laws of the land or in a monarchy against the crown or against parliament against the crown or against parliament against the crown or against parliament or against congress or against something or against congress or against something or against congress or against something but not against the judge. The judge is but not against the judge. The judge is but not against the judge. The judge is merely the administrator of a larger merely the administrator of a larger merely the administrator of a larger system. Do you see? So much so that if system. Do you see? So much so that if system. Do you see? So much so that if the judge is the victim, then the judge the judge is the victim, then the judge the judge is the victim, then the judge is supposed to recuse himself. is supposed to recuse himself. is supposed to recuse himself. So therefore, a judge in our system So therefore, a judge in our system So therefore, a judge in our system doesn't have the right to get off the doesn't have the right to get off the doesn't have the right to get off the bench and pay the penalty. That would be bench and pay the penalty. That would be bench and pay the penalty. That would be unjust. He doesn't have the right. He unjust. He doesn't have the right. He unjust. He doesn't have the right. He owes it to the system to be fair, to be owes it to the system to be fair, to be owes it to the system to be fair, to be just. He owes it to the laws of the just. He owes it to the laws of the just. He owes it to the laws of the land. He owes it to the court. He owes land. He owes it to the court. He owes land. He owes it to the court. He owes He owes it as a matter of principle to He owes it as a matter of principle to He owes it as a matter of principle to to to administer justice fairly. He to to administer justice fairly. He to to administer justice fairly. He doesn't have the right to take the other doesn't have the right to take the other doesn't have the right to take the other person's place. Do you see?

person's place. Do you see? person's place. Do you see? But with God, he is always the offended But with God, he is always the offended But with God, he is always the offended party. He is the judge and he never recuses He is the judge and he never recuses himself. Never. himself. Never. himself. Never. And he doesn't have to in order to And he doesn't have to in order to And he doesn't have to in order to reserve justice because his justice is reserve justice because his justice is reserve justice because his justice is perfect even though he is the offended perfect even though he is the offended perfect even though he is the offended party. party. party. So he is the offended party. and in So he is the offended party. and in So he is the offended party. and in perfect sovereign freedom, he can step perfect sovereign freedom, he can step perfect sovereign freedom, he can step off that bench if he wants to. off that bench if he wants to. off that bench if he wants to. So long as he maintains justice, so long as payment is made, so long as payment is made, so long as the penalty is paid That's why Christians have called the That's why Christians have called the cross amongst other things. It's a lot cross amongst other things. It's a lot cross amongst other things. It's a lot of things, but amongst them at the very of things, but amongst them at the very of things, but amongst them at the very heart is it's a penal substitutionary heart is it's a penal substitutionary heart is it's a penal substitutionary sacrifice. It's substitutionary in that sacrifice. It's substitutionary in that sacrifice. It's substitutionary in that Christ takes my place. It's penal in Christ takes my place. It's penal in Christ takes my place. It's penal in that what he is doing is paying off my that what he is doing is paying off my that what he is doing is paying off my penalty. He's paying off the punishment penalty. He's paying off the punishment penalty. He's paying off the punishment that I should receive. It's a penal that I should receive. It's a penal that I should receive. It's a penal substitutionary substitutionary substitutionary sacrifice.

sacrifice. sacrifice. Now, it can be configured in a lot of Now, it can be configured in a lot of Now, it can be configured in a lot of different ways. A lot of different ways different ways. A lot of different ways different ways. A lot of different ways of thinking of the cross are presented of thinking of the cross are presented of thinking of the cross are presented in the New Testament. But that one lies in the New Testament. But that one lies in the New Testament. But that one lies at the heart of absolutely everything in at the heart of absolutely everything in at the heart of absolutely everything in the New Testament. the New Testament. the New Testament. And CH Dodd And CH Dodd And CH Dodd so hated penal substitution as a notion. so hated penal substitution as a notion. so hated penal substitution as a notion. He hated it that he fought it all his He hated it that he fought it all his He hated it that he fought it all his life. And when he was involved as the life. And when he was involved as the life. And when he was involved as the senior editor of the Bible translation, senior editor of the Bible translation, senior editor of the Bible translation, the New English Bible, he came to this the New English Bible, he came to this the New English Bible, he came to this passage and he was heard in the senior passage and he was heard in the senior passage and he was heard in the senior committee as he and his committee people committee as he and his committee people committee as he and his committee people were working through Romans 3:21-26. He were working through Romans 3:21-26. He were working through Romans 3:21-26. He was heard muttering under his breath as was heard muttering under his breath as was heard muttering under his breath as he worked through the Greek text, "What he worked through the Greek text, "What he worked through the Greek text, "What rubbish!" Whereupon one of his colleagues of more Whereupon one of his colleagues of more orthodox temperament wrote a limmerick. There was a professor called Dodd whose There was a professor called Dodd whose name was exceedingly odd. He spelled, if name was exceedingly odd. He spelled, if name was exceedingly odd. He spelled, if you please, his name with three Ds, you please, his name with three Ds, you please, his name with three Ds, while one is sufficient for God.

That is a quintessentially British way That is a quintessentially British way of handling theological controversy. of handling theological controversy. of handling theological controversy. It has nothing to do with anything, but It has nothing to do with anything, but It has nothing to do with anything, but it is a spectacularly good put down. Now in Romans 3, Paul will not let us Now in Romans 3, Paul will not let us get away with things. Christ is the one get away with things. Christ is the one get away with things. Christ is the one whom God has presented as the whom God has presented as the whom God has presented as the propitiating sacrifice so that God can propitiating sacrifice so that God can propitiating sacrifice so that God can simultaneously be vindicated just in all simultaneously be vindicated just in all simultaneously be vindicated just in all of his decisions. And the one who of his decisions. And the one who of his decisions. And the one who justifies, who declares not guilty, who justifies, who declares not guilty, who justifies, who declares not guilty, who declares just those who put their faith declares just those who put their faith declares just those who put their faith in him. in him. in him. Now then, what's that got to do with Now then, what's that got to do with Now then, what's that got to do with theodys? What's that got to do with all theodys? What's that got to do with all theodys? What's that got to do with all of our talk about suffering? of our talk about suffering? of our talk about suffering? Many, many, many things. Don't you see? Theologically, Don't you see? Theologically, all of our suffering, theologically, all of our suffering, theologically, all of our suffering, theologically, all of it comes directly or indirectly all of it comes directly or indirectly all of it comes directly or indirectly from the fall all the way through to hell itself.

all the way through to hell itself. There is a sense in which some temporal There is a sense in which some temporal There is a sense in which some temporal suffering here whether war or disaster suffering here whether war or disaster suffering here whether war or disaster or the like is already biblically or the like is already biblically or the like is already biblically speaking a kind of preconfiguration of speaking a kind of preconfiguration of speaking a kind of preconfiguration of the ultimate suffering the ultimate suffering the ultimate suffering and Christ comes and takes the ultimate and Christ comes and takes the ultimate and Christ comes and takes the ultimate suffering of his people. suffering of his people. suffering of his people. He takes our penalty. He takes our penalty. He takes our penalty. So he's not just a god who stands back So he's not just a god who stands back So he's not just a god who stands back and looks in magnificent detachment and looks in magnificent detachment and looks in magnificent detachment at all those poor hopeless little rebels at all those poor hopeless little rebels at all those poor hopeless little rebels down there. down there. down there. He comes and takes the supreme curse He comes and takes the supreme curse He comes and takes the supreme curse upon himself. And that changes everything you think And that changes everything you think about God. about God. about God. You see, if you start arguing with some You see, if you start arguing with some You see, if you start arguing with some voices in our age, I just want God to be voices in our age, I just want God to be voices in our age, I just want God to be fair. Perfect fairness will see us all Perfect fairness will see us all consigned to the pit. Do you really want consigned to the pit. Do you really want consigned to the pit. Do you really want God to be fair?

The Bible speaks of God's mercy as well The Bible speaks of God's mercy as well as God's wroth. Bible doesn't picture God merely as a Bible doesn't picture God merely as a distant judge, a deist figure who stands distant judge, a deist figure who stands distant judge, a deist figure who stands in great distance from us and in great distance from us and in great distance from us and occasionally declares his fatwa. No. In the fullness of time, God sent No. In the fullness of time, God sent his son. The word became flesh and lived his son. The word became flesh and lived his son. The word became flesh and lived for a while among us. Yes, he's the son for a while among us. Yes, he's the son for a while among us. Yes, he's the son of David. To us, a child is born. To us, of David. To us, a child is born. To us, of David. To us, a child is born. To us, a son is given. The government will be a son is given. The government will be a son is given. The government will be on his shoulders. But he will also be on his shoulders. But he will also be on his shoulders. But he will also be called the wonderful counselor, the called the wonderful counselor, the called the wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace. And he was wounded for prince of peace. And he was wounded for prince of peace. And he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our transgressions. He was bruised for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. our iniquities. our iniquities. So that Christians who are thoughtful So that Christians who are thoughtful So that Christians who are thoughtful can never think of their sufferings can never think of their sufferings can never think of their sufferings apart from Christ's sufferings apart from Christ's sufferings apart from Christ's sufferings as he faces in his own limitless person as he faces in his own limitless person as he faces in his own limitless person the judicial wroth of his father that the judicial wroth of his father that the judicial wroth of his father that his own people might go free.

I know I know a family a family a family where when the daughter was about 15 where when the daughter was about 15 where when the daughter was about 15 years old, she lost her very best friend years old, she lost her very best friend years old, she lost her very best friend to leukemia. to leukemia. to leukemia. The friend who died was a strapping The friend who died was a strapping The friend who died was a strapping blonde of almost 6 feet, healthy, blonde of almost 6 feet, healthy, blonde of almost 6 feet, healthy, vigorous, athletic, bright. vigorous, athletic, bright. vigorous, athletic, bright. from diagnosis to death, despite the from diagnosis to death, despite the from diagnosis to death, despite the very best efforts of very good medical very best efforts of very good medical very best efforts of very good medical care, 6 months. And this family that I know, their And this family that I know, their daughter again, 14, just turned 15 that daughter again, 14, just turned 15 that daughter again, 14, just turned 15 that summer. summer. summer. It was a Christian family. They talked It was a Christian family. They talked It was a Christian family. They talked about these things. They prayed about about these things. They prayed about about these things. They prayed about these things. They they they grieved these things. They they they grieved these things. They they they grieved over these things. They they tried to over these things. They they tried to over these things. They they tried to work them through. It wasn't suppressed work them through. It wasn't suppressed work them through. It wasn't suppressed or anything like that. But in September, or anything like that. But in September, or anything like that. But in September, the father went by his daughter's room the father went by his daughter's room the father went by his daughter's room and heard her crying quietly inside in and heard her crying quietly inside in and heard her crying quietly inside in the bedroom. And he tapped on the door, the bedroom. And he tapped on the door, the bedroom. And he tapped on the door, went in.

went in. went in. He put his arms around her as she He put his arms around her as she He put his arms around her as she quietly wept and he said, "Come on, tell quietly wept and he said, "Come on, tell quietly wept and he said, "Come on, tell me about it." me about it." me about it." And she said, "Daddy, And she said, "Daddy, And she said, "Daddy, God could have saved my best friend and God could have saved my best friend and God could have saved my best friend and he didn't, he didn't, he didn't, and I hate him." And burst into tears. The father said, "You know, I'm so glad The father said, "You know, I'm so glad you've told me this. you've told me this. you've told me this. No point hiding it in any case. God No point hiding it in any case. God No point hiding it in any case. God knows what you think. He knows your knows what you think. He knows your knows what you think. He knows your thoughts before you actually think them thoughts before you actually think them thoughts before you actually think them yourself. Might as well be honest before yourself. Might as well be honest before yourself. Might as well be honest before him. him. him. No point pretending. No point pretending. No point pretending. Glad you felt free enough to tell me. Glad you felt free enough to tell me. Glad you felt free enough to tell me. But before you decide that God is a But before you decide that God is a But before you decide that God is a miserable wretch, miserable wretch, miserable wretch, I want you to think two things. I want you to think two things. I want you to think two things. Number one, do you really want a god like the genie do you really want a god like the genie in Aladdin's lamp? Remember in Aladdin's lamp? Remember in Aladdin's lamp? Remember the genie in Aladdin's lamp can do the genie in Aladdin's lamp can do the genie in Aladdin's lamp can do absolutely anything, perform any absolutely anything, perform any absolutely anything, perform any miracle, but is always under the control miracle, but is always under the control miracle, but is always under the control of whoever holds and rubs the lamp. Do of whoever holds and rubs the lamp. Do of whoever holds and rubs the lamp. Do you want a God like that?

you want a God like that? you want a God like that? So that God can do absolut absolutely So that God can do absolut absolutely So that God can do absolut absolutely anything but always at your beck and anything but always at your beck and anything but always at your beck and call in which case who is God? call in which case who is God? call in which case who is God? Do you really want a God like that? Do you really want a God like that? Do you really want a God like that? Are you wiser than God to tell him what Are you wiser than God to tell him what Are you wiser than God to tell him what he should and shouldn't do? You're he should and shouldn't do? You're he should and shouldn't do? You're really back to the mystery of providence really back to the mystery of providence really back to the mystery of providence and to innocent suffering. He say you're and to innocent suffering. He say you're and to innocent suffering. He say you're back to Job and Habac and the mystery of back to Job and Habac and the mystery of back to Job and Habac and the mystery of pro, aren't you? pro, aren't you? pro, aren't you? But he says the other thing is this. But he says the other thing is this. But he says the other thing is this. Before you decide that God doesn't love Before you decide that God doesn't love Before you decide that God doesn't love you, you've got to face the fact that in the you've got to face the fact that in the Bible, God's love is measured by a Bible, God's love is measured by a Bible, God's love is measured by a little hill outside Jerusalem. God's love is measured by a little hill God's love is measured by a little hill outside Jerusalem. And when nothing else seems fair, And when nothing else seems fair, nothing else seems right, and when the nothing else seems right, and when the nothing else seems right, and when the pain as unbearable, pain as unbearable, pain as unbearable, yes, you remember that you lost your yes, you remember that you lost your yes, you remember that you lost your friend, but don't you dare forget that friend, but don't you dare forget that friend, but don't you dare forget that God lost his son. In fact, he didn't God lost his son. In fact, he didn't God lost his son. In fact, he didn't lose him.

lose him. lose him. He gave him. And when you can't put it all together, And when you can't put it all together, at least fasten on that because nothing at least fasten on that because nothing at least fasten on that because nothing else will stabilize you. That little girl you see That little girl you see is my daughter. So that after you finished all of your So that after you finished all of your theological explanations, theological explanations, theological explanations, you still have to come back to the you still have to come back to the you still have to come back to the basics of elementary Christian basics of elementary Christian basics of elementary Christian confessionalism. confessionalism. confessionalism. Christ died for sinners of whom I am Christ died for sinners of whom I am Christ died for sinners of whom I am chief. chief. chief. God demonstrates his love in this that God demonstrates his love in this that God demonstrates his love in this that while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He who has not withheld his own for us. He who has not withheld his own for us. He who has not withheld his own son, but freely given him up for us all, son, but freely given him up for us all, son, but freely given him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely how shall he not also with him freely how shall he not also with him freely give us all things? Who shall separate give us all things? Who shall separate give us all things? Who shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus?

us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? Do you see? And you're into the closing Do you see? And you're into the closing Do you see? And you're into the closing verses of Romans 8. All because of the verses of Romans 8. All because of the verses of Romans 8. All because of the cross. What else can finally sustain cross. What else can finally sustain cross. What else can finally sustain you? insights insights from what it means to take up our cross. Insights from what it means to take up Insights from what it means to take up our cross. our cross. our cross. and thus from the persecuted global and thus from the persecuted global and thus from the persecuted global church. Insights from what it means to take up Insights from what it means to take up our cross. And thus from the persecuted our cross. And thus from the persecuted our cross. And thus from the persecuted global church. global church. global church. Do you remember the spectacular scene in Do you remember the spectacular scene in Do you remember the spectacular scene in Matthew 16 and parallels where Jesus Matthew 16 and parallels where Jesus Matthew 16 and parallels where Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say asks his disciples, "Who do people say asks his disciples, "Who do people say that I am? Some say this, some say that.

that I am? Some say this, some say that. that I am? Some say this, some say that. What do you say?" What do you say?" What do you say?" Peter says, "You are the Christ, the son Peter says, "You are the Christ, the son Peter says, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God. of the living God. of the living God. And Jesus blesses him for it. Yeah. And Jesus blesses him for it. Yeah. And Jesus blesses him for it. Yeah. Yeah. You're blessed, Peter, son of Yeah. You're blessed, Peter, son of Yeah. You're blessed, Peter, son of John, for flesh and blood has not John, for flesh and blood has not John, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who revealed this to you, but my father who revealed this to you, but my father who is in heaven. Now, that's all wonderful. is in heaven. Now, that's all wonderful. is in heaven. Now, that's all wonderful. But you've got to understand that when But you've got to understand that when But you've got to understand that when Peter confessed that Jesus was the Peter confessed that Jesus was the Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, by Christ, he did not mean Christ, by Christ, he did not mean Christ, by Christ, he did not mean exactly what you and I mean. exactly what you and I mean. exactly what you and I mean. Because when you and I refer to Jesus as Because when you and I refer to Jesus as Because when you and I refer to Jesus as the Christ, inevitably we think of him the Christ, inevitably we think of him the Christ, inevitably we think of him as the Christ of the whole New as the Christ of the whole New as the Christ of the whole New Testament, including his death, burial, Testament, including his death, burial, Testament, including his death, burial, resurrection, ascension to the right resurrection, ascension to the right resurrection, ascension to the right hand, his impending return, and all the hand, his impending return, and all the hand, his impending return, and all the rest, don't we? We we we can't think of rest, don't we? We we we can't think of rest, don't we? We we we can't think of an uncrcified Christ. an uncrcified Christ. an uncrcified Christ. But when Peter confesses that Jesus is But when Peter confesses that Jesus is But when Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, he still doesn't have a the Christ, he still doesn't have a the Christ, he still doesn't have a category for a crucified Messiah. You category for a crucified Messiah. You category for a crucified Messiah. You read the following verses and it becomes read the following verses and it becomes read the following verses and it becomes very clear he still doesn't have that very clear he still doesn't have that very clear he still doesn't have that category. He's got it right. and he is category. He's got it right. and he is category. He's got it right. and he is blessed of God that he really does blessed of God that he really does blessed of God that he really does understand that Jesus is the Messiah understand that Jesus is the Messiah understand that Jesus is the Messiah when a lot of people haven't even got when a lot of people haven't even got when a lot of people haven't even got that far. But on the other hand, he does that far. But on the other hand, he does that far. But on the other hand, he does not see the Christ as the crucified not see the Christ as the crucified not see the Christ as the crucified Messiah, does he?

Messiah, does he? Messiah, does he? So much so that when Jesus then goes on So much so that when Jesus then goes on So much so that when Jesus then goes on right after this confession in Matthew right after this confession in Matthew right after this confession in Matthew 16:20 and following to start speaking 16:20 and following to start speaking 16:20 and following to start speaking then about how the son of man must go to then about how the son of man must go to then about how the son of man must go to Jerusalem and be persecuted and be be Jerusalem and be persecuted and be be Jerusalem and be persecuted and be be put to death and on the third day rise put to death and on the third day rise put to death and on the third day rise again. Peter takes Jesus aside and says, again. Peter takes Jesus aside and says, again. Peter takes Jesus aside and says, "Never, Lord, this will never happen to "Never, Lord, this will never happen to "Never, Lord, this will never happen to you." You know, Messiahs win. Especially you." You know, Messiahs win. Especially you." You know, Messiahs win. Especially ones that can do miracles the way you ones that can do miracles the way you ones that can do miracles the way you can do miracles. That's pretty hot can do miracles. That's pretty hot can do miracles. That's pretty hot stuff. You know, how's anybody going to stuff. You know, how's anybody going to stuff. You know, how's anybody going to stand over against you? Messiahs win on stand over against you? Messiahs win on stand over against you? Messiahs win on this one. Jesus, you've got it wrong. this one. Jesus, you've got it wrong. this one. Jesus, you've got it wrong. Messiahs don't die. They win. So Jesus turns to him and says, "Get So Jesus turns to him and says, "Get behind me, Satan. You do not understand behind me, Satan. You do not understand behind me, Satan. You do not understand the things of God." the things of God." the things of God." And then Jesus goes on to talk about how And then Jesus goes on to talk about how And then Jesus goes on to talk about how we must take up our crosses and follow we must take up our crosses and follow we must take up our crosses and follow him. him. him. That's the remarkable connection. Same That's the remarkable connection. Same That's the remarkable connection. Same connection is made in Mark chapter 8. connection is made in Mark chapter 8. connection is made in Mark chapter 8. Now when we today speak of taking up our Now when we today speak of taking up our Now when we today speak of taking up our cross, sometimes we mean it in an almost cross, sometimes we mean it in an almost cross, sometimes we mean it in an almost flip way. You know, really wretched flip way. You know, really wretched flip way. You know, really wretched toothache. It's been bothering me all toothache. It's been bothering me all toothache. It's been bothering me all weekend, but you know, we all have our weekend, but you know, we all have our weekend, but you know, we all have our crosses to bear.

crosses to bear. crosses to bear. You should see my mother-in-law. Oh, You should see my mother-in-law. Oh, You should see my mother-in-law. Oh, well, we've all got our crosses to bear. well, we've all got our crosses to bear. well, we've all got our crosses to bear. My kid has just turned 15. Boy, have we My kid has just turned 15. Boy, have we My kid has just turned 15. Boy, have we got our crosses to bear or whatever it got our crosses to bear or whatever it got our crosses to bear or whatever it is. We have we have these expressions, is. We have we have these expressions, is. We have we have these expressions, don't we? Maybe not very fair and don't we? Maybe not very fair and don't we? Maybe not very fair and sometimes not very polite. And in any sometimes not very polite. And in any sometimes not very polite. And in any case, a long way removed from the New case, a long way removed from the New case, a long way removed from the New Testament. In the New Testament, nobody Testament. In the New Testament, nobody Testament. In the New Testament, nobody made jokes like that. Nobody made jokes made jokes like that. Nobody made jokes made jokes like that. Nobody made jokes like that like that like that because the Romans, you see, had three because the Romans, you see, had three because the Romans, you see, had three methods of execution. methods of execution. methods of execution. Crucifixion, the cross, was the worst of Crucifixion, the cross, was the worst of Crucifixion, the cross, was the worst of them. It was only for scumbags and them. It was only for scumbags and them. It was only for scumbags and slimeballs. It was for slaves and slimeballs. It was for slaves and slimeballs. It was for slaves and non-citizens. non-citizens. non-citizens. Only the emperor himself could ever Only the emperor himself could ever Only the emperor himself could ever sanction crucifixion being imposed on a sanction crucifixion being imposed on a sanction crucifixion being imposed on a citizen. And it was filled with shame citizen. And it was filled with shame citizen. And it was filled with shame and pain both. You were crucified naked and pain both. You were crucified naked and pain both. You were crucified naked in a public place. It could take days in a public place. It could take days in a public place. It could take days for you to die. and all of the ancient for you to die. and all of the ancient for you to die. and all of the ancient literature pictures pictures pictures literature pictures pictures pictures literature pictures pictures pictures philosophers and teachers and parents philosophers and teachers and parents philosophers and teachers and parents saying um you know if there's a saying um you know if there's a saying um you know if there's a crucifixion site nearby make sure you crucifixion site nearby make sure you crucifixion site nearby make sure you walk around it so your children don't walk around it so your children don't walk around it so your children don't see it never talk about the cross never see it never talk about the cross never see it never talk about the cross never talk about crucifixion in the home it's talk about crucifixion in the home it's talk about crucifixion in the home it's a it's a it's a horrible subject you a it's a it's a horrible subject you a it's a it's a horrible subject you never talk about it this is not a a never talk about it this is not a a never talk about it this is not a a subject for fit conversation it's always subject for fit conversation it's always subject for fit conversation it's always filled with shame it's a bit like trying filled with shame it's a bit like trying filled with shame it's a bit like trying to make jokes in our societ society to make jokes in our societ society to make jokes in our societ society about ashvitz about ashvitz about ashvitz there are some things you don't joke there are some things you don't joke there are some things you don't joke about avitz is one of them in the about avitz is one of them in the about avitz is one of them in the ancient world there There's some things ancient world there There's some things ancient world there There's some things you don't joke about. Crucifixion was you don't joke about. Crucifixion was you don't joke about. Crucifixion was one of them. And so we make jokes about, one of them. And so we make jokes about, one of them. And so we make jokes about, "Oh, we've all got our crosses to bear."

"Oh, we've all got our crosses to bear." "Oh, we've all got our crosses to bear." Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck. No. When you took up your cross in the No. When you took up your cross in the ancient world, it was the cross bar. ancient world, it was the cross bar. ancient world, it was the cross bar. After sentence had been passed, after After sentence had been passed, after After sentence had been passed, after you'd been whipped and beaten one more you'd been whipped and beaten one more you'd been whipped and beaten one more time, you were supposed to take up the time, you were supposed to take up the time, you were supposed to take up the cross bar to the place of execution cross bar to the place of execution cross bar to the place of execution where the upright was already in the where the upright was already in the where the upright was already in the ground. And there you were stretched out ground. And there you were stretched out ground. And there you were stretched out on the cross, and there you were on the cross, and there you were on the cross, and there you were attached to it. Then the whole thing was attached to it. Then the whole thing was attached to it. Then the whole thing was hoisted up, and there you died. So when hoisted up, and there you died. So when hoisted up, and there you died. So when you took up your cross, you were really you took up your cross, you were really you took up your cross, you were really dying to see yourself. There was no dying to see yourself. There was no dying to see yourself. There was no nothing more to live for. You had only nothing more to live for. You had only nothing more to live for. You had only pain and shame left. That was it. pain and shame left. That was it. pain and shame left. That was it. And now Jesus comes along and says, And now Jesus comes along and says, And now Jesus comes along and says, "Unless you take up your cross and "Unless you take up your cross and "Unless you take up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciples." follow me, you cannot be my disciples." follow me, you cannot be my disciples." Talk about seeker sensitive. It's amazing, isn't it? Elsewhere, he It's amazing, isn't it? Elsewhere, he says, "Unless you take up your cross says, "Unless you take up your cross says, "Unless you take up your cross daily, how would you like to be daily, how would you like to be daily, how would you like to be crucified every day?" crucified every day?" crucified every day?" That's what Paul says. I die daily. Now, obviously, most of us aren't called Now, obviously, most of us aren't called to cru to to die daily in that sense, in to cru to to die daily in that sense, in to cru to to die daily in that sense, in some literal sense. And yet, there is some literal sense. And yet, there is some literal sense. And yet, there is something to it, isn't there? A desire something to it, isn't there? A desire something to it, isn't there? A desire to follow Jesus. If he was crucified, to follow Jesus. If he was crucified, to follow Jesus. If he was crucified, I'm not better than my master. Then I'm not better than my master. Then I'm not better than my master. Then maybe I need to be crucified, too.

maybe I need to be crucified, too. maybe I need to be crucified, too. Isn't that what Jesus argues at a lower Isn't that what Jesus argues at a lower Isn't that what Jesus argues at a lower level in in a passage like John 16? You level in in a passage like John 16? You level in in a passage like John 16? You know, if the world doesn't like me, then know, if the world doesn't like me, then know, if the world doesn't like me, then it won't like you. If they despise me, it won't like you. If they despise me, it won't like you. If they despise me, don't be too surprised if they despise don't be too surprised if they despise don't be too surprised if they despise you. servant is not better than his you. servant is not better than his you. servant is not better than his master. And then you watch what happens master. And then you watch what happens master. And then you watch what happens to the first apostles. The first to the first apostles. The first to the first apostles. The first apostles facing the first whiff of apostles facing the first whiff of apostles facing the first whiff of persecution. The first time they're persecution. The first time they're persecution. The first time they're beaten up. Do you remember what the text beaten up. Do you remember what the text beaten up. Do you remember what the text says of them? They rejoiced that they says of them? They rejoiced that they says of them? They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the were counted worthy to suffer for the were counted worthy to suffer for the name. I finally made it. name. I finally made it. name. I finally made it. Isn't that terrific? I finally made it Isn't that terrific? I finally made it Isn't that terrific? I finally made it into the realm of the persecuted. And it's not just Acts. It's everywhere And it's not just Acts. It's everywhere in the New Testament. Do you remember in the New Testament. Do you remember in the New Testament. Do you remember Philippians 1 29? Philippians 1 29? Philippians 1 29? It has been granted to you. It has been granted to you. It has been granted to you. Paul writes grandiloquently. It has been Paul writes grandiloquently. It has been Paul writes grandiloquently. It has been granted to you not only to believe on granted to you not only to believe on granted to you not only to believe on his name, but also to suffer for his his name, but also to suffer for his his name, but also to suffer for his sake. It's been granted. It's a grace sake. It's been granted. It's a grace sake. It's been granted. It's a grace word. It's It's your great privilege to word. It's It's your great privilege to word. It's It's your great privilege to have come to faith. It's your great have come to faith. It's your great have come to faith. It's your great privilege to have come to suffering.

privilege to have come to suffering. privilege to have come to suffering. for his sake. Isn't that what Jesus says for his sake. Isn't that what Jesus says for his sake. Isn't that what Jesus says in the biatitudes? Blessed are those who in the biatitudes? Blessed are those who in the biatitudes? Blessed are those who who who who persecute you for my sake who who who persecute you for my sake who who who persecute you for my sake and for the gospels. and for the gospels. and for the gospels. Isn't Isn't that what you find in Isn't Isn't that what you find in Isn't Isn't that what you find in Philippians 3:10? Oh, that I may know Philippians 3:10? Oh, that I may know Philippians 3:10? Oh, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection him and the power of his resurrection him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering. And let's be quite frank, most of us And let's be quite frank, most of us know those verses if we've been know those verses if we've been know those verses if we've been Christians for a while, but we're Christians for a while, but we're Christians for a while, but we're quietly grateful that it happens to quietly grateful that it happens to quietly grateful that it happens to Christians. in Iran, Christians. in Iran, Christians. in Iran, but not here. Thank you. And what I suggest to you is that most And what I suggest to you is that most of the passages that actually talk about of the passages that actually talk about of the passages that actually talk about suffering in the New Testament, not all, suffering in the New Testament, not all, suffering in the New Testament, not all, but most of them in the New Testament but most of them in the New Testament but most of them in the New Testament that talk about suffering actually have that talk about suffering actually have that talk about suffering actually have to do with suffering for righteousness, to do with suffering for righteousness, to do with suffering for righteousness, with persecution. Reread First Peter. with persecution. Reread First Peter. with persecution. Reread First Peter. Oh, there's some overtones of other Oh, there's some overtones of other Oh, there's some overtones of other kinds of suffering, whether you're kinds of suffering, whether you're kinds of suffering, whether you're suffering justly or unjustly and so on.

suffering justly or unjustly and so on. suffering justly or unjustly and so on. But even if you're suffering unjustly, But even if you're suffering unjustly, But even if you're suffering unjustly, then you put a stamp on it that make then you put a stamp on it that make then you put a stamp on it that make sure that makes sure that you yourself sure that makes sure that you yourself sure that makes sure that you yourself are righteous in it without retaliating are righteous in it without retaliating are righteous in it without retaliating because we serve a master who didn't because we serve a master who didn't because we serve a master who didn't retaliate. retaliate. retaliate. And everything becomes part of the And everything becomes part of the And everything becomes part of the pattern of taking up our cross in some pattern of taking up our cross in some pattern of taking up our cross in some essentially minor way compared with essentially minor way compared with essentially minor way compared with Christ who did take up his cross and die Christ who did take up his cross and die Christ who did take up his cross and die on our behalf. And then suddenly you begin to realize And then suddenly you begin to realize that in the matrix of living and serving that in the matrix of living and serving that in the matrix of living and serving and dying in a sin-cursed world, then if and dying in a sin-cursed world, then if and dying in a sin-cursed world, then if some of your friends mock you at work or actually kick you out of the home. or actually kick you out of the home. I had a Jewish friend at university when I had a Jewish friend at university when I had a Jewish friend at university when I was a young man, an Orthodox Jew. when I was a young man, an Orthodox Jew. when I was a young man, an Orthodox Jew. when he became a Christian, he his parents he became a Christian, he his parents he became a Christian, he his parents actually held a funeral for him.

Or if I could introduce you to Or if I could introduce you to Christians I have known in various parts Christians I have known in various parts Christians I have known in various parts of the world. A big part of my job is to of the world. A big part of my job is to of the world. A big part of my job is to be in very many different countries. be in very many different countries. be in very many different countries. Do you realize there have been something Do you realize there have been something Do you realize there have been something like 9,000 martyrs in Indonesia in the like 9,000 martyrs in Indonesia in the like 9,000 martyrs in Indonesia in the last 6 years? Not fewer than 2 million martyrs in the Not fewer than 2 million martyrs in the last 20 years worldwide. Not fewer. more last 20 years worldwide. Not fewer. more last 20 years worldwide. Not fewer. more Christian martyrs in the last 150 years Christian martyrs in the last 150 years Christian martyrs in the last 150 years than in the previous 1800 years than in the previous 1800 years than in the previous 1800 years combined. combined. combined. That's martyrs. That's quite apart from That's martyrs. That's quite apart from That's martyrs. That's quite apart from those who have just been beaten up or those who have just been beaten up or those who have just been beaten up or have suffered or lost property or just have suffered or lost property or just have suffered or lost property or just have been laughed at and marginalized. have been laughed at and marginalized. have been laughed at and marginalized. Where then will the church stand in the Where then will the church stand in the Where then will the church stand in the West when it faces these things to stand West when it faces these things to stand West when it faces these things to stand up and rejoice that at last it's counted up and rejoice that at last it's counted up and rejoice that at last it's counted worthy to suffer for the name it has worthy to suffer for the name it has worthy to suffer for the name it has been granted to the church this been granted to the church this been granted to the church this privilege. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not for Don't misunderstand me. I'm not for masochism. Go ahead, hit me again. I masochism. Go ahead, hit me again. I masochism. Go ahead, hit me again. I love the pain. I love the pain. That's love the pain. I love the pain. That's love the pain. I love the pain. That's not the idea. And it may be that there not the idea. And it may be that there not the idea. And it may be that there are times when God gives us remarkable are times when God gives us remarkable are times when God gives us remarkable freedom that we are to enjoy. That freedom that we are to enjoy. That freedom that we are to enjoy. That that's true, too.

that's true, too. that's true, too. But there is also a wonderful privilege But there is also a wonderful privilege But there is also a wonderful privilege in taking up our cross and dying to in taking up our cross and dying to in taking up our cross and dying to self-interest and recognizing that it is self-interest and recognizing that it is self-interest and recognizing that it is a grace gift to suffer for the name. I grew up in a home in French Canada I grew up in a home in French Canada where Baptist ministers alone spent where Baptist ministers alone spent where Baptist ministers alone spent eight years in jail between 1950 and 52. eight years in jail between 1950 and 52. eight years in jail between 1950 and 52. We kids used to get beaten up fairly We kids used to get beaten up fairly We kids used to get beaten up fairly regularly because we were Modi regularly because we were Modi regularly because we were Modi Protestant. Well, it's changed there Protestant. Well, it's changed there Protestant. Well, it's changed there now. now. now. It was part of the heritage though and It was part of the heritage though and It was part of the heritage though and it changes the way you look at reality. So now it's important not only to read So now it's important not only to read older books, older books that many of us older books, older books that many of us older books, older books that many of us of another generation used to read all of another generation used to read all of another generation used to read all the time. Fox's book of martyrs. the time. Fox's book of martyrs. the time. Fox's book of martyrs. Nowadays it's important to read the Nowadays it's important to read the Nowadays it's important to read the up-to-date ones up-to-date ones up-to-date ones like the one by Don Cormarmac like the one by Don Cormarmac like the one by Don Cormarmac on the killing fields of Cambodia. on the killing fields of Cambodia. on the killing fields of Cambodia. That's must readading. That's must That's must readading. That's must That's must readading. That's must readading readading readading to understand that in this generation to understand that in this generation to understand that in this generation too, God has raised up another too, God has raised up another too, God has raised up another generation of men and women who love the generation of men and women who love the generation of men and women who love the cross.

cross. cross. Not only the cross of Christ, Not only the cross of Christ, Not only the cross of Christ, but in some measure the cross we are but in some measure the cross we are but in some measure the cross we are called to lift up and bear. I want to conclude with four practical I want to conclude with four practical reflections. I'll go through them very reflections. I'll go through them very reflections. I'll go through them very quickly. quickly. quickly. Number one, Number one, Number one, I want to reiterate what I said at the I want to reiterate what I said at the I want to reiterate what I said at the beginning. This approach is not a simple beginning. This approach is not a simple beginning. This approach is not a simple proof texting approach. A couple of proof texting approach. A couple of proof texting approach. A couple of quick verses to answer all questions. A quick verses to answer all questions. A quick verses to answer all questions. A verse a day keeps the devil away. verse a day keeps the devil away. verse a day keeps the devil away. What this is attempting to do is What this is attempting to do is What this is attempting to do is establish a Christian biblically establish a Christian biblically establish a Christian biblically faithful worldview. And it can be thoughtfully And it can be thoughtfully assessed as it were only but by assessed as it were only but by assessed as it were only but by comparing it with other competing comparing it with other competing comparing it with other competing worldviews, worldviews, worldviews, checking out everything by scripture and checking out everything by scripture and checking out everything by scripture and bringing everything to the centrality of bringing everything to the centrality of bringing everything to the centrality of the cross and resurrection.

the cross and resurrection. the cross and resurrection. All six of these pillars stand or fall All six of these pillars stand or fall All six of these pillars stand or fall together. together. together. And if you hold them with a passion, if And if you hold them with a passion, if And if you hold them with a passion, if you understand them and hold them with a you understand them and hold them with a you understand them and hold them with a passion, then when the deepest struggles passion, then when the deepest struggles passion, then when the deepest struggles come, your faith will be much more come, your faith will be much more come, your faith will be much more informed. Your confidence in Christ will informed. Your confidence in Christ will informed. Your confidence in Christ will be much more secure. You will be far be much more secure. You will be far be much more secure. You will be far more stable even as you cry out in the more stable even as you cry out in the more stable even as you cry out in the agony and the loneliness. Number two, Number two, I have focused in essence on theology. I have focused in essence on theology. I have focused in essence on theology. That is what the Bible actually says put That is what the Bible actually says put That is what the Bible actually says put into some sort of systematic guise. into some sort of systematic guise. into some sort of systematic guise. That's what I've been doing. That's what I've been doing. That's what I've been doing. But I would be the first to insist that But I would be the first to insist that But I would be the first to insist that when people are actually going through when people are actually going through when people are actually going through the worst actual crisis, something the worst actual crisis, something the worst actual crisis, something rather different may be needed first. rather different may be needed first. rather different may be needed first. In a really largecale crisis, In a really largecale crisis, In a really largecale crisis, helicopters, food supplies, fresh water, helicopters, food supplies, fresh water, helicopters, food supplies, fresh water, blankets, housing, security, getting rid blankets, housing, security, getting rid blankets, housing, security, getting rid of the dead bodies, rebuilding, of the dead bodies, rebuilding, of the dead bodies, rebuilding, police, but even then to be able to do all of but even then to be able to do all of this in the name of Christ because this in the name of Christ because this in the name of Christ because we are not interested in relieving only we are not interested in relieving only we are not interested in relieving only suffering at the And that's hell by the suffering at the And that's hell by the suffering at the And that's hell by the preaching of the gospel. Nor only preaching of the gospel. Nor only preaching of the gospel. Nor only suffering right now. That's emergency suffering right now. That's emergency suffering right now. That's emergency relief. Precisely because we have an relief. Precisely because we have an relief. Precisely because we have an organic view of all of history. We see

organic view of all of history. We see organic view of all of history. We see that all of the suffering is in one that all of the suffering is in one that all of the suffering is in one sense of a peace. We're interested in sense of a peace. We're interested in sense of a peace. We're interested in relieving all suffering all the way relieving all suffering all the way relieving all suffering all the way through to the suffering of hell. through to the suffering of hell. through to the suffering of hell. Which is why we do good and proclaim the Which is why we do good and proclaim the Which is why we do good and proclaim the gospel. gospel. gospel. We still remember that We still remember that We still remember that we are exhorted in the parable of the we are exhorted in the parable of the we are exhorted in the parable of the good Samaritan to do good. Do good to good Samaritan to do good. Do good to good Samaritan to do good. Do good to all and especially those of the all and especially those of the all and especially those of the household of faith. Galatians 6 says household of faith. Galatians 6 says household of faith. Galatians 6 says there is an entailment in loving your there is an entailment in loving your there is an entailment in loving your neighbor as yourself. And yet because we neighbor as yourself. And yet because we neighbor as yourself. And yet because we put it in the Bible's framework of a put it in the Bible's framework of a put it in the Bible's framework of a huge storyline that takes us from huge storyline that takes us from huge storyline that takes us from creation all the way into eternity. When creation all the way into eternity. When creation all the way into eternity. When we speak of we speak of we speak of relieving suffering, we don't think that relieving suffering, we don't think that relieving suffering, we don't think that we have done our job after we've written we have done our job after we've written we have done our job after we've written a check for UNICEF or even after we a check for UNICEF or even after we a check for UNICEF or even after we spent a year or two in the Peace Corp. spent a year or two in the Peace Corp. spent a year or two in the Peace Corp. We see that at the end of the day, we We see that at the end of the day, we We see that at the end of the day, we want to help men and women made in the want to help men and women made in the want to help men and women made in the image of God image of God image of God because they are made in the image of because they are made in the image of because they are made in the image of God and they are destined for eternity. God and they are destined for eternity. God and they are destined for eternity. And we cannot readily separate the And we cannot readily separate the And we cannot readily separate the relief of suffering now from the relief of suffering now from the relief of suffering now from the ultimate relief of suffering. It's all ultimate relief of suffering. It's all ultimate relief of suffering. It's all of a peace until finally the only thing of a peace until finally the only thing of a peace until finally the only thing that finally relieves suffering is the that finally relieves suffering is the that finally relieves suffering is the gospel of Jesus Christ itself.

gospel of Jesus Christ itself. gospel of Jesus Christ itself. We proclaim Christ crucified. Number three, Number three, what sort of comfort then can one give what sort of comfort then can one give what sort of comfort then can one give to those who suffer who are not to those who suffer who are not to those who suffer who are not Christians? One can often give all kinds of One can often give all kinds of practical helps and show affection and practical helps and show affection and practical helps and show affection and kindness. kindness. kindness. But never ever ever give false comfort. But never ever ever give false comfort. But never ever ever give false comfort. Dealing with a first class repbate who's Dealing with a first class repbate who's Dealing with a first class repbate who's dying for whom you have no confidence dying for whom you have no confidence dying for whom you have no confidence that they know Christ in any sense. that they know Christ in any sense. that they know Christ in any sense. How dare you pat them on the shoulder How dare you pat them on the shoulder How dare you pat them on the shoulder and say, "Your suffering will soon be and say, "Your suffering will soon be and say, "Your suffering will soon be over. No, there is a sense in which again and No, there is a sense in which again and again and again. Even though in the again and again. Even though in the again and again. Even though in the height of the crisis we may not be able height of the crisis we may not be able height of the crisis we may not be able to unpack the whole story line, to unpack the whole story line, to unpack the whole story line, we still have to resent Christ and him we still have to resent Christ and him we still have to resent Christ and him crucified again and again and again and crucified again and again and again and crucified again and again and again and again. Not out of arrogance or again. Not out of arrogance or again. Not out of arrogance or condescension, but as poor beggars condescension, but as poor beggars condescension, but as poor beggars telling other poor beggars where there telling other poor beggars where there telling other poor beggars where there is bread. people who have known and is bread. people who have known and is bread. people who have known and tasted of the grace of God, showing tasted of the grace of God, showing tasted of the grace of God, showing other men and women where the cross other men and women where the cross other men and women where the cross stands.

Christians who get to know God well Christians who get to know God well and sense his comfort by the spirit and sense his comfort by the spirit and sense his comfort by the spirit poured out upon us in the wake of the poured out upon us in the wake of the poured out upon us in the wake of the cross and resurrection. do not as a rule do not as a rule think very commonly in terms of theodysy think very commonly in terms of theodysy think very commonly in terms of theodysy that is how to explain suffering. that is how to explain suffering. that is how to explain suffering. Christians who get to know God well do Christians who get to know God well do Christians who get to know God well do not think often in those terms not think often in those terms not think often in those terms but in two others. but in two others. but in two others. First, there is a wonderful example from there is a wonderful example from Nehemiah 8 and N. Nehemiah 8 and N. Nehemiah 8 and N. There Nehemiah and the other leaders, There Nehemiah and the other leaders, There Nehemiah and the other leaders, the priests lead the people in prayers the priests lead the people in prayers the priests lead the people in prayers of confession. The whole point of that of confession. The whole point of that of confession. The whole point of that chapter is as they look through their chapter is as they look through their chapter is as they look through their sufferings. They acknowledge that the sufferings. They acknowledge that the sufferings. They acknowledge that the sufferings that have come upon them have sufferings that have come upon them have sufferings that have come upon them have come upon them because of the sin and come upon them because of the sin and come upon them because of the sin and rebellion and idolatry that they and rebellion and idolatry that they and rebellion and idolatry that they and their fathers and their forefathers have their fathers and their forefathers have their fathers and their forefathers have demonstrated generation after demonstrated generation after demonstrated generation after generation. So, so that when they see generation. So, so that when they see generation. So, so that when they see themselves pushed to the very end, their themselves pushed to the very end, their themselves pushed to the very end, their question is not how can you do this to question is not how can you do this to question is not how can you do this to us, God? Their question is rather, "Oh us, God? Their question is rather, "Oh us, God? Their question is rather, "Oh Lord God, in the midst of our suffering Lord God, in the midst of our suffering Lord God, in the midst of our suffering and need, our deserved suffering and and need, our deserved suffering and and need, our deserved suffering and need, will you not again show mercy on need, will you not again show mercy on need, will you not again show mercy on us because you are a compassionate God biblically and historically when there

biblically and historically when there are times of genuine reformation and are times of genuine reformation and are times of genuine reformation and revival, you do not have many Christians revival, you do not have many Christians revival, you do not have many Christians writing books on theodysy, that is books writing books on theodysy, that is books writing books on theodysy, that is books about suffering and how to think it about suffering and how to think it about suffering and how to think it through. What you have instead are books through. What you have instead are books through. What you have instead are books of confession. One of the scariest things of our age is One of the scariest things of our age is how many books are out there trying to how many books are out there trying to how many books are out there trying to defend God. defend God. defend God. Now I know it has to be done and I'm Now I know it has to be done and I'm Now I know it has to be done and I'm doing it today for goodness sake. doing it today for goodness sake. doing it today for goodness sake. But there is a sense in which if the But there is a sense in which if the But there is a sense in which if the church of Jesus Christ were right on the church of Jesus Christ were right on the church of Jesus Christ were right on the portals of reformation and revival. We portals of reformation and revival. We portals of reformation and revival. We wouldn't gather so much to hear three wouldn't gather so much to hear three wouldn't gather so much to hear three hours or four hours on how to justify hours or four hours on how to justify hours or four hours on how to justify the ways of God to human beings. the ways of God to human beings. the ways of God to human beings. We would be gathering rather for We would be gathering rather for We would be gathering rather for confession and repentance. confession and repentance. confession and repentance. It is a standard pattern in scripture. It is a standard pattern in scripture. It is a standard pattern in scripture. Reread Nehemiah 8:9. a correlative of this when Christians a correlative of this when Christians begin to understand this well I think begin to understand this well I think begin to understand this well I think they are much more inclined to speak of they are much more inclined to speak of they are much more inclined to speak of the goodness of God.

I want to tell you about another chap. I want to tell you about another chap. It won't hurt to tell you his real name. It won't hurt to tell you his real name. It won't hurt to tell you his real name. I don't I'll I'll put in another name. I don't I'll I'll put in another name. I don't I'll I'll put in another name. We'll call him Greg. We'll call him Greg. We'll call him Greg. Greg went out as a single missionary to Greg went out as a single missionary to Greg went out as a single missionary to Bolivia quite a number of years ago. Bolivia quite a number of years ago. Bolivia quite a number of years ago. Single about 6'4 lanky the bean pole Single about 6'4 lanky the bean pole Single about 6'4 lanky the bean pole to Bolivia which has a lot of very short to Bolivia which has a lot of very short to Bolivia which has a lot of very short people. But he learned the language well people. But he learned the language well people. But he learned the language well and the mission liked his work and and the mission liked his work and and the mission liked his work and eventually the mission sent him to eventually the mission sent him to eventually the mission sent him to Trinity where I teach to do a PhD so Trinity where I teach to do a PhD so Trinity where I teach to do a PhD so that he could go back to Bolivia to that he could go back to Bolivia to that he could go back to Bolivia to upgrade the theological education that upgrade the theological education that upgrade the theological education that was going on there. You see? So he was going on there. You see? So he was going on there. You see? So he arrived. When he arrived, he actually arrived. When he arrived, he actually arrived. When he arrived, he actually brought his his his wife with him. He brought his his his wife with him. He brought his his his wife with him. He had married a single missionary out had married a single missionary out had married a single missionary out there. A man had gone out, a woman had there. A man had gone out, a woman had there. A man had gone out, a woman had gone out. They had met out there. They gone out. They had met out there. They gone out. They had met out there. They got married out there a little later in got married out there a little later in got married out there a little later in life. They had one little girl who was life. They had one little girl who was life. They had one little girl who was then three, not quite four, and they then three, not quite four, and they then three, not quite four, and they brought her back to Trinity so he could brought her back to Trinity so he could brought her back to Trinity so he could do his three years to do his PhD with do his three years to do his PhD with do his three years to do his PhD with us. About six months into the program, his About six months into the program, his wife, who was 40ish, something like wife, who was 40ish, something like wife, who was 40ish, something like that, was diagnosed with stage four that, was diagnosed with stage four that, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

Stage 4 is almost always a death Stage 4 is almost always a death sentence. sentence. sentence. It's only a question of time, usually. It's only a question of time, usually. It's only a question of time, usually. There are some exceptions, but that's There are some exceptions, but that's There are some exceptions, but that's very high risk. She fought it with all of the chemo and She fought it with all of the chemo and the radiation and all the rest. She got back on her feet more or less. She got back on her feet more or less. He took a hiatus from his studies during He took a hiatus from his studies during He took a hiatus from his studies during this time as he nursed her and looked this time as he nursed her and looked this time as he nursed her and looked after the little girl and so on. She was after the little girl and so on. She was after the little girl and so on. She was coming back on track. He started coming back on track. He started coming back on track. He started studying again. He got so far and he was studying again. He got so far and he was studying again. He got so far and he was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer. Chicago has a lot of very good cancer Chicago has a lot of very good cancer hospitals, especially the Lutheran hospitals, especially the Lutheran hospitals, especially the Lutheran General. They wouldn't touch him. They General. They wouldn't touch him. They General. They wouldn't touch him. They looked at it and said, "This is a death looked at it and said, "This is a death looked at it and said, "This is a death sentence." sentence." sentence." But the mission liked him so much they But the mission liked him so much they But the mission liked him so much they paid to send him up to the Mayo Clinic paid to send him up to the Mayo Clinic paid to send him up to the Mayo Clinic and they said there is really nothing and they said there is really nothing and they said there is really nothing for this. The only thing we can for this. The only thing we can for this. The only thing we can recommend is take out virtually all your recommend is take out virtually all your recommend is take out virtually all your stomach and we're willing to try stomach and we're willing to try stomach and we're willing to try experimentally if you want to go through experimentally if you want to go through experimentally if you want to go through it drugs that have been developed it drugs that have been developed it drugs that have been developed recently for colon cancer and things recently for colon cancer and things recently for colon cancer and things like that. We're not sure they're going like that. We're not sure they're going like that. We're not sure they're going to work. They took out 90% of his to work. They took out 90% of his to work. They took out 90% of his stomach started about all these drugs.

stomach started about all these drugs. stomach started about all these drugs. The cancer so far as we could tell The cancer so far as we could tell The cancer so far as we could tell disappeared. lanky bean pole became disappeared. lanky bean pole became disappeared. lanky bean pole became skinny as a rake bean pole as he had to skinny as a rake bean pole as he had to skinny as a rake bean pole as he had to eat every two or three hours just little eat every two or three hours just little eat every two or three hours just little bits of food because since he didn't bits of food because since he didn't bits of food because since he didn't have a stomach that was big enough to have a stomach that was big enough to have a stomach that was big enough to hold anything hold anything hold anything and after another six or eight months he and after another six or eight months he and after another six or eight months he came back to Trinity came back to Trinity came back to Trinity started working on his PhD got through started working on his PhD got through started working on his PhD got through the comps the comps the comps started working on his dissertation and started working on his dissertation and started working on his dissertation and his wife's cancer came back He was surrounded by lovely families, He was surrounded by lovely families, the seminary community, churches, but the seminary community, churches, but the seminary community, churches, but nevertheless, he just lost his wife and nevertheless, he just lost his wife and nevertheless, he just lost his wife and now his little daughter was about seven now his little daughter was about seven now his little daughter was about seven or something like that, eight. He finished up his dissertation He finished up his dissertation and about 3 years ago, three and a half and about 3 years ago, three and a half and about 3 years ago, three and a half years ago, he came back to our church. years ago, he came back to our church. years ago, he came back to our church. Our church was one of the supporting Our church was one of the supporting Our church was one of the supporting churches. on his way back to Bolivia churches. on his way back to Bolivia churches. on his way back to Bolivia with his little daughter. Then age nine, with his little daughter. Then age nine, with his little daughter. Then age nine, he's going back to Bolivia, he's going back to Bolivia, he's going back to Bolivia, single father.

for 40 minutes? for 40 minutes? The sheer overwhelming goodness of God.