WHY, GOD, WHY? SERMONS ON THE PROBLEM OF PAIN
Copyright © 1996 by Abingdon Press
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Abingdon Press, 201 Eighth Avenue South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville TN 37202.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Tull, Justin W., 1945-
Why, God, why? : sermons on the problem of pain / Justin W. Tull.
p. cm. — (Protestant pulpit exchange)
Includes bibliographical references (p. ).
ISBN 0-687-00702-X (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Suffering—Religious aspect—Christianity—Sermons. 2. Pain—
Religious aspects—Christianity—Sermons. 3. Sermons, American.
I. Title. II. Series.
BT732.7.T85 1996
248.8'6—dc20
95-41093
CIP
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations noted RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.
The poem on page 102 is from Christmas Is for Celebrating, by Melvin E. Wheatley, Jr., © 1977 by the Upper Room. Used by permission.
The Advent devotion on pages 100-101 is from Advent, A Calendar of Devotions, by Margaret Anne Huffman, © 1992 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
99 00 01 02 03 04 05 — 10 9 8 7 6 5 4
MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Loretta Pond, to whom this book is dedicated, battled courageously with cancer for seven years. As a close personal friend, it was difficult to accept the news of the onset of her illness at the early age of forty-three. Her lengthy battle ended on January 18, 1995.
During her illness, which was often filled with pain and debilitating weakness, I know that the question "why?" was raised by Loretta, her family, church members, and friends. But her final wrestling with this basic human question did not end in bitterness, resignation, or despair. Some prose, "I've Had It All," that she wrote less than a year before her death reflects her ultimate stance of gratitude.
I've Had It All
by Loretta Pond
Some people rail at death. There wasn't time to gather memories of the world and all its mysteries. They yearn for life's experiences, to travel to China and Hong Kong, Singapore and Italy, Germany and exotic tropical islands. And I reply, "I've done it all."
Some would say that love has cheated them. "I'll die alone," they cry. But I could never say it. I had one man to love me and he was always there—my rock in times of fear and suffering, a faithful partner, my best friend. "I've had it all."
Some cry that they cannot leave their children. In spite of age they have much growing up to do. They make wrong choices, are indifferent to responsibility, and their efforts are lazy. My children are beautiful in their hearts and in their ways. They take responsibility for learning what was taught, their values are high. I do not leave them knowing there is more they need of me. How blessed I am. "I've had it all."
"Friends and family? Where are they in my need?" some would say. But in health and in pain, my loved ones have been there for me, showing love and concern and positive words. From so many places, for so many years, I have been remembered by loving family and loyal friends. "I've had it all."
Some say they never had the time to volunteer and give their time to helping others through church and in community. They say, "Don't take me now, Lord. I just now have the time to give to others." I asked my community to let me serve their children and they said "yes" and elected me. After six years they said I was a good citizen. I felt so honored. "I've had it all."
For fifty years I have lived my life with few regrets. I have lived with love surrounding me and wonderful opportunities abounding. I cannot shake my fist and rail at any injustices dealt me, because it seems to me, "I have had it all," (Spring, 1994).
Contents
Introduction
Why, God, Why?
Philippians 4:4-6
God of Pain or Compassion?
John 9:2; Luke 13:2
Everything Working for Good?
Romans 8:28
Bad News, Good News!
1 John 1:9
Earthen Vessels
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Blessed Thorn!
2 Corinthians 12:7b
Living with Critics!
1 Corinthians 4:3, 4c
Overcoming Evil!
Romans 12:21
Beyond Positive Thinking
Philippians 4:8
Hanging On!
Romans 5:3-5
Getting It Together!
Mark 5:9
Letting Go!
John 10:14
Christmas at Ramah!
Psalm 126; Matthew 2:18
Notes
Introduction
O ne of the most important roles of preaching is to be a catalyst for theologizing. The preacher is to assist the individual church member in formulating a theology that is consistent with the gospel while being able to withstand the tough tests of life. It is not acceptable to preach positive platitudes or offer trite answers to life's profound tragedies. It is not acceptable to escape existential questions with a simple pastoral instruction to embrace everything on faith or to promote the false notion that somehow every tragedy is God's will.
Throughout my ministry, I have endeavored to deal honestly with questions of human suffering and pain. I have sought the biblical