[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during March 2024]
Why do bad things happen to good people?
This question was prompted by the news that two former members of HBC, both of whom played significant roles in the life of the church in times past, are now facing serious health issues. In this week’s ‘Yours’ Chris alludes to a similar circumstance. The question is not new, it is one that has been asked by many people over a long period of time. Solomon contributed to the debate with his assertion:
There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. Ecclesiastes 8 v14 [NIVUK]
In attempting to answer this question, it might be easier to address the parallel question first. Why do good things happen to bad people? Why is so much ‘good luck’ being wasted on those that do not deserve it? Why are we having to struggle when ‘sinners’ seem to have an easy life?
Job had some similar questions: “Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” “Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment? Why must those who know him look in vain for such days?”[1]
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke about God the Father, saying: “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”[2] But this description of God’s impartiality does not answer the “Why?”
The apostle Paul offered an answer: “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance”.[3] But does it? We take God’s blessings for granted so often that he has to try another approach. That brings us back to the original question.
Are there times when you feel tempted to ask “Lord, whose side are you on?”. Certainly king Hezekiah must have felt like that as he saw the army of Sennacherib king of Assyria advancing on Jerusalem, He had already unsuccessfully tried appeasement so he resorted to more desperate measures. He went to the Temple and appealed for God’s help. Surely he should have done that first; certainly it is an example that we should follow more often.
Can we echo the Psalmist’s words?
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Psalm 119 v71-72 [ESVUK]
Does that suggest an answer for us? Could it be that the adversities that we experience are intended to bring us closer to God?
Chris concluded her thoughts with some other well-known words from Paul. It is appropriate to repeat them here:
We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan Romans 8 v28 [NLV]
References:
[1] Job 21 v7, Job 24 v1
[2] Matthew 5 v45
[3] Romans 2 v4
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Last week’s reflection: Let Lying Dogs Sleep
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
