Sermon snippet – “God, Where Are You?” (or, A Theodicy Odyssey: a Conclusion)
INTRODUCTION – In January, we began our theodicy odyssey, a theodicy being a defense of the goodness of God in the face of the existence of evil. Vera Hall’s classic “Trouble So Hard” is a musical exploration of this theme, one that helped to prompt this lengthy series of messages. The final answer to the seeming contradiction of a good God and the prevalence of evil is found in I Corinthians 15:3-4. Let us celebrate Easter together, even if it is a bit late this year.
- GOD THE SON IS GOOD IN HIS DEATH
Jesus, God the Son, knew that His death on the cross was imminent. How did He respond during this time of extraordinary duress and distress? He was unchanged: He remained good. In Mark 14:3-9, Jesus defends the “good work” of Mary of Bethany; as always, He stood on the side of good. In John 13:21, 25-26, He offers a token of honor and friendship to Judas, a black-hearted traitor. Later that same evening, Jesus gave another demonstration of His divine goodness to Judas and his band of soldiers (John 18:3-6); He never stopped reaching out to others in an effort to draw them out of their darkness. Pilate officially declared Jesus to be good (John 18:38), as did a Roman centurion (Luke 23:47). While the greatest of evil was directed against Him, Jesus openly prayed for the forgiveness of the evildoers (Luke 23:33-34a). His goodness never wavered, and this goodness is the basis for the efficacy of His sacrificial death (II Corinthians 5:21).
- GOD THE SON IS GOOD IN HIS BURIAL
Well, that sounds impossible – but, as Jesus said in Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” As Jesus died and was buried, He was in God the Father’s hands (Luke 23:46 – note the profound Trinitarian doctrine). What does it mean that Jesus was in the Father’s hands? Luke 23:42-43 tells us: that same day, Jesus welcomed this new believer into heaven. The body of Jesus was dead and buried, but He was very much alive (II Corinthians 5:8) and doing that which was good. Imagine dying on a cross next to Jesus and then immediately being alongside Him in heaven! That is truly good.
- GOD THE SON IS GOOD IN HIS RESURRECTION
After Jesus rose from the dead, He continued to teach and comfort His disciples. Certainly, these were good things. Especially, though, we should see the goodness of Jesus in His fulfillment of His promises. Jesus precisely predicted the events of Holy Week (Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:18-19). His word is good; He can be trusted.
CONCLUSION – Jesus’ goodness is found throughout the sad events of His betrayal, arrest, and death. Although it seems impossible, His goodness is seen in His burial and, miraculously, in His resurrection. Yes, Jesus, God the Son, always keeps His promises. God is good all the time; all the time God is good. Let Him be good to you; ask Him to be your Savior, and He will give you His eternal goodness.