. . . taken out of context . . .

This week in worship we began our newest sermon series, "Job: Restoration is Possible." We talked about a theology of suffering and where God is in the midst of it. When we are in despair, grieving over our losses, it is incredibly easy to lose sight of where God might be. Job's wisdom teaches us that God is always there and we will see over the next few weeks that even though Job does become angry, and ultimately lashes out at God, he never denies that God exists. He is willing to wade through the anger and grief with God.

On Monday, my Scripture reading came from Romans 5:3-4

...we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...

While I appreciate the Apostle Paul's use of poetic language here, (and subsequently I think Yoda learned to talk by reading Paul's letters) it is important to recognize when suffering is okay and when it is not. Paul isn't talking about any old suffering here. He's talking about how the early church in Rome was being persecuted. He spoke about the endurance in the knowledge of the abundant life given to us in Jesus Christ. It is that endurance that helps us see the hope.

He was not talking about suffering that is found in emotional, physical or verbal abuse.

Not all suffering is meant to be endured. And Scripture should never be used to justify oppressive suffering done at the hands of another. In the Methodist tradition, we are encouraged to look at the context of when these passages were written and to ask questions when things don't add up. To read a portion of Scripture and simply transplant it into modern times does not do justice to the passage nor to who we are as God's people.

So as we navigate these three weeks, Abby and I will try to take great care to help place the story of Job in its historical context as we try to make sense of suffering. We won't have all the answers of course because a theology of suffering is complex. We all experience the world from different points of view and in turn experience God differently.

This is why it's so important to come together as a church on Sunday mornings and then again in smaller groups during the week. Understanding our different perspectives help us grow more fully in our individual spiritual journeys. If you are struggling, we don't want you to suffer alone.  If you are struggling with a difficult life issue, we have Congregational Care Ministers, Life Groups or congregation members who would like to walk alongside you and share your journey so you know you are not alone.