WHY??? NO, NOT WHY, BUT WHO?!?!?! Dr. Rob Richey, Blackhorse Ministry

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1 WHY??? NO, NOT WHY, BUT WHO?!?!?! Dr. Rob Richey, Blackhorse Ministry And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:18-39) Outline Intro Why??? No, Not Why, But Who? Wherefore Closing

2 INTRO WHY??? NO, NOT WHY, BUT WHO?!?!?! Dr. Rob Richey, Blackhorse Ministry And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) It s been almost a quarter of a century since I started teaching at Briarwood Christian School and over a third of a century since I began teaching young people. Somewhere in there, I developed a course in biblical ethics in which I teach a session on biomedical issues including pro-life matters abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, etc. And within that subject, it is quite appropo to consider the whys and wherefores surrounding the infirm and debilitated since they are many times the victims of these horrific practices. One of the resources used in my presentation is an article by Michael Beates, Is My Child One of God s Mistakes? When I read it the first time, I was stunned by its poignancy and power and immediately knew that it would be the foundation for the session. Thus, for years, my classes have read and discussed and written on it. Little did I know through all those years that Dr. Beates would be speaking for me indeed, I had no inkling that GOD would use his experience with his daughter, Jessica, in my life as I now deal with the situation of my own granddaughters, Milla and Elle. (To pause, I must take a moment and reflect upon GOD s wondrous concern for and care of His people of how He designs and then works in the lives of His children preparing them for what He ordains in later years [somewhat like what we as parents do for our own children no, not purposing but still preparing]. So, for almost twenty years, Michael Beates writing has ministered to me, resonating in the innermost caverns of my heart so that now in this bitter providence, I might cowboy up during this season of my soul.) Permit me to share with you a portion of Beates article: I recently came across a book entitled, Mistakes: Genetic Counseling in a Pediatric Hospital. In it, author Charles Bosk noted parents' impotence and powerlessness to change their situations. The genetic counselors also experienced impotence to fix what cannot be fixed. Finally, the author confessed to being overwhelmed as well. He said, "I felt some sort of cosmic anger that there was so much random and contingent pain and suffering. I was overwhelmed and then paralyzed by the limits of rational understanding."

3 WHY??? From the secular perspective of this book, such frustration is inevitable and should not surprise us. But if God is sovereign, if we believe the Westminster Confession of Faith when it says, God ordains whatsoever comes to pass, then what do we make of seemingly tragic or grotesque genetic anomalies, commonly called malformations or defects? Can we simultaneously affirm God s sovereignty over creation and refer to products of His creative work as defective or malformed? Virtually all Christians profess belief in God s sovereignty. But when we begin to discuss the depth of that sovereignty, we find that many of them actually believe in a limited sovereignty God is sovereign except when... However, we see God s undisputed sovereignty clearly taught in the Scriptures. Psalm 115:1-3 and Daniel 4:35 affirm that God is all-powerful in His character and reign. In His omnipotence He is able to do whatever He chooses to do according to His nature. Deuteronomy 32:4 affirms that He is also perfectly good, upright, and just. At this point many have trouble, and the classic problem is posed: if God exists and genetic anomalies also exist, then God is either all-powerful or ail good, but not both. If He is beneficent and powerful. He would not permit such things. He is either omnipotent but cold, heartless, or tyrannical in the exercise of this power, or He is good but not powerful enough to prevent evil and tragedy like genetic anomalies, which we consider not good even outright bad and wrong. But the Scriptures affirm that God is both good and all-powerful. In Exodus 4:11 and Isaiah 45:5-9, we see God not denying complicity with things we call bad but, surprisingly, taking the credit. Consequently, we are left with the difficult conclusion that, insofar as God decides not to prevent anomalies, in some sense He therefore ordains them, deciding that they should happen; otherwise, they could not possibly happen. If God in His good pleasure allows genetic anomalies to occur, in some sense they are good, even if we cannot fathom what that good may be. God is all-powerful and all good. He is not (as Rabbi Kushner says in his popular but sadly erroneous book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People), up in heaven wringing His hands at His inability to prevent diseases or anomalies that afflict children. But if He didn t slip up and let a few design flaws somehow get past quality control while He was dealing with a more urgent situation in Eastern Europe, then what is His purpose in creating some people with Down s or DeLang s Syndrome, or any of the many other radical genetic anomalies that are incompatible with life? ( Is My Child One of God s Mistakes? Michael Beates) So, why does GOD allow such horrendous things to occur to our children? Let me suggest a few of Dr. Beates as well as my own thoughts: One, GOD permits such things according to His good pleasure for His own glory so that His power might be displayed (see Job 38-42; John 9:1-41); As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3)

4 Two, GOD permits such things so that we might apprehend our own inherent weaknesses and debilities - or, as Beates says, our own brokenness and our need of His grace and thus our utter dependence upon Him (see Job 1:21; 2:9-10); And he said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21) Three, GOD permits such things so that we might comprehend the value of all human existence - or, as Beates says, present the church the precious gift of allowing followers of Christ to serve them unconditionally, with no expectation of getting anything in return uniting God s people in mutual dependency and care (see 1 Corinthians 13); Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it his not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a) Four, GOD permits such things so that we might grow in grace learning to trust Him with all our hearts, learning obedience through suffering as did His own Son, and learning to submit our wills to His sovereign purposes; or, as Elisabeth Elliot said, We have our ways, and God has His ways (see Proverbs 3:5; Hebrews 5:8; Luke 22:42); Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 5:8) Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8) Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. (Luke 22:42) Five, GOD permits such things so that our desire for heaven will increase He uses them to wean us from the world; or, as Beates says, genetic anomalies serve as sign posts, reminding us that we are on a journey - this world is not our home. They draw us back to the truth that this life is not as good as we like to think, and that the prospect of heaven is real and inviting... (see 2 Corinthians 4:10-18; Revelation 21-22); For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (1 Corinthians 4:17-18)

5 Six, GOD permits such things to magnify the humiliation i.e., the sufferings - of Christ in our lives so that we might come to truly know Him. This knowledge of Jesus is an intimacy not unlike yet far exceeding - that which is found in human relations between a husband and his wife (see Genesis 4:1). To become Christ-like, we must embrace and be embraced by - His sufferings in our own lives for such is a hallmark of the disciple (note Kittel s discussion of a μαθητής - i.e., a disciple - who will suffer in like manner as the master) (see Philippians 3:10-12); that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11) And, seven, GOD permits such things so that other followers of Jesus may be given the privilege to walk alongside us in our pain. GOD s people are called to mourn with those who mourn, to bear one another s burdens, and to be compassionate, gentle, and patient with each other (see Romans 12:14; Galatians 6:2; Eph. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:8). Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:9-13, 15) NO, NOT WHY, BUT WHO? Indeed, we all wonder about the whys of such hard and difficult providences, and our Lord has provided amply answers to our inquiry. But, let us move on to even higher ground, if you will. Take a few moments to read this letter from Pastor Saeed Abedini, the American pastor imprisoned in Iran, who wrote the following letter to his daughter on her eighth birthday, September 12, 2014: My Dearest Rebekka Grace, HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY! You are growing so fast and becoming more beautiful every day. I praise God for His faithfulness to me every day as I watch from a distance through the prison walls and see pictures and hear stories of how you are growing both spiritually and physically. Oh how I long to see you.

6 I know that you question why you have prayed so many times for my return and yet I am not home yet. Now there is a big WHY In your mind you are asking: WHY Jesus isn t answering your prayers and the prayers of all of the people around the world praying for my release and for me to be home with you and our family. The answer to the WHY is WHO. WHO is control? LORD JESUS CHRIST is in control. I desire for you to learn important lessons during these trying times. Lessons that you carry now and for the rest of your life. The answer to the WHY is WHO. The confusion of WHY has all of this happened? and WHY your prayers are not answered yet is resolved with understanding WHO is in control LORD JESUS CHRIST, our GOD! God is in control of the whole world and everything that is happening in it is for His good purpose, for His glory, and will be worked out for our good (Romans 8:28). Jesus allows me to be kept here for His glory. He is doing something inside each of us and also outside in the world. People die and suffer for their Christian faith all over the world and some may wonder why? But you should know the answer of WHY is WHO. It is for Jesus. He is worth the price. And He has a plan to be glorified through our lives. I want you to read the book of Habakkuk. He had the same question as you. But see that the Lord answered him in Habakkuk 2:3, the vision comes and doesn t delay on time, wait for it. Mommy and I always had big desires to serve Jesus and had great vision to be used for His Kingdom and for His Glory. So today we pay a cost because God, who created us, called us to that. And so I want you to know that the answer to all of your prayers is that God is in control, and He knows better than us what He is doing in our lives and all around the world. Therefore declare as Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did in Daniel 3: 17-18! 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. And learn and declare as Habakkuk did that even if we do not get the result that we are looking for, God is still good and we WILL praise His Holy Name. Habakkuk 3:17-19: 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. Then my dear beloved daughter Rebekka Grace, I pray God will bring me back home soon. But if not, we will still sing together as Habakkuk did HALLELUJAH, either separated by prison walls or together at home. So, let Daddy hear you sing a loud Hallelujah that I can hear all the way here in the prison! I am so proud of you my sweet courageous daughter. Glory to God forever, Amen. Kisses and Blessings, Daddy

7 Pastor Abedini said so many things well: The answer to the WHY is [to be found in the] WHO; And He has a plan to be glorified through our lives; So today we pay a cost because God, who created us, called us to that; And so I want you to know that the answer to all of your prayers is that God is in control, and He knows better than us what He is doing in our lives and all around the world; And learn and declare as Habakkuk did that even if we do not get the result that we are looking for, God is still good and we WILL praise His Holy Name; So, let Daddy hear you sing a loud Hallelujah Of particular interest are his words, God, who created us, called us to that. Yes, that s it! All of GOD s own who suffer who share in the fellowship of His sufferings have been called of GOD to such! For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:15-16a) WHEREFORE Thus, what can we say as a fitting end to this most important issue? Well, perhaps, Dr. Beates provides one as he finishes his article: When we are faced with excruciatingly painful life situations brought on by genetic anomalies, we rightfully ask, "If this is from God, how can it be good?" But if such a hardship causes the believer to long more deeply for God's presence and to look forward to His making all things new, it is good. If such trials beckon followers of Christ to love the Lord our God rather than this world, then He is glorified in such circumstances. The Puritans, our spiritual forefathers, routinely endured difficult, painful lives due to afflictions that we often cure with a mere pill or injection. They did not need people with genetic anomalies to remind them of their brokenness and need for heaven their own lives testified to that truth quite well. When confronted by the harsh reality of a newborn child displaying radical abnormalities, the truth of God's sovereignty brings comfort. The alternative - the prospect that He is not responsible nor in control - is utterly frightening. Hope exists in the midst of bitter providences and severe mercies. Though the truth of Scripture cannot dull the pain caused by the occurrence of genetic anomalies, when we grasp the truth of God's sovereignty we begin to understand that pain and suffering are never wasted in God's plan. Indeed His most important lessons are taught in the wilderness, through affliction and tribulation. Our very redemption was purchased by the painful suffering of our Savior Christ Jesus on the Via Dolorosa and the mount of Calvary. I believe that one of the most frequently quoted but least-believed verses in Scripture is Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." If we really believed that verse, if we really believed it to be truth, we could rest in peace even in the midst of the painful realities of life realities such as children born with genetic anomalies. The verse doesn't teach that all things in and of themselves are good. I am not saying that genetic anomalies such as my daughter's are good in an absolute sense, but for believers, they are good in the ultimate sense. (Ibid.)

8 May I, therefore, implore us all to embrace even the most bitter of providences from our loving Savior. Let them be a blessed portion to usher us into His presence in ways that far exceed our imaginations so that we may truly know Him as Paul exhorts. We must not forget that great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us - saints like Alan Cameron of old Scotland who when shown the severed head and hands of his son, Richard, replied to his torturers: I know them, I know them. They are my son s, my dear son s. It is the Lord. Good is the will of the Lord, who cannot wrong me nor mine, but has made goodness and mercy to follow us all our days. Shouldn t that be our testimony, too? Yes, of course! CLOSING What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. What shall I say then? Why, with the beloved hymnist, I cry, It is well, it is well, with my soul. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. (It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.) Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! - My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

9 For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. (Horatio G. Spafford) To GOD be the glory Blackhorse Ministry