Suffering without explanation? Lessons of 9/11

The Old Testament patriarch Job is a reminder that good people often suffer without explanation. As Americans we would do well to remember this lesson, as we remember 9/11. Senseless acts of violence, such as the terrorist attacks perpetrated on September 11, 2001, do much to challenge our thinking about God and His goodness and ability. The questions go something like this, “If God is good, why would He allow such evil to take place?” or “If God is all powerful, why did He not stop these events from taking place?” The story of Job provides some insight to understanding such questions.

The Bible describes Job as a man who was “…blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1ESV). The narrative then explains that Satan challenged God with these words, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him? …But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face” (Job 1:9-11ESV). It is interesting that Satan questioned the prosperity of Job, as being without a reason. In addition to our questioning the suffering of others and God’s control over it, perhaps we should also ask, “Why all the good in the world?” The question is more than just an indication of the level of optimism or pessimism in our thinking; the answer provides profound insight into the character of God.

God in His wisdom made Satan an instrument of suffering unleashed on Job’s life. Through a series of disasters Job was stripped of his possessions, children, and health, all without explanation. Job only retained his life, a negative wife, and less than helpful friends. Job’s response to all his suffering is inspiring, “Job arose…and worshiped. And he said, ‘…The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong” (Job 1:20-22ESV).

Job’s response is not only inspiring but also instructive. When we are faced with tragic events in the world, such as 9/11, or more personal trauma, such as the death of a family member or friend, it is tempting to seek an explanation for the trouble at the expense of ignoring all of the good at work in our lives. To be certain, no amount of good will make the events of 9/11, or any of our personal problems any less evil, but it can serve as a reminder that we serve a good, personal God who is at work to bring about good through any circumstance.

And of course the ultimate illustration of this is in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus told His friends and foes alike, that it was necessary for Him to suffer and die. Jesus the perfect, sinless, Son of God, would face the most horrendous sort of death possible at the time, crucifixion. Jesus told a religious leader in John 3:14, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”

Jesus was referencing a story in Numbers 21, where God punished Israel for their complaining with the bite of fiery serpents. When the people repented, God gave Moses instructions to lift a bronze serpent upon a pole so that all that looked upon the serpent would be healed. The instrument of their suffering became the source of their salvation. In the same way, the suffering of Christ became the source of our salvation. Jesus, through His death, inexplicable at the time, provided for you and I freedom from sin and death. Through His resurrection, He showed to us the path of life and righteousness.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we must know Christ, “…and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death…” (Philippians 3:10ESV). Personal traumas and tragic events give us the opportunity to identify with Christ, in both the good and bad events of life. Although we should never pursue tragedy, be sure that it will come to every life. And when it does come we rejoice not in the tragedy but in God who will “…work all things together for good” (Romans 8:28). God certainly did this in Job’s life, restoring twice as much as he lost. (Job 42:10)

This side of eternity we may never have a good reason for 9/11 or the countless acts of everyday evil, but we can trust that God is good, and that through it all, His purposes are being fulfilled to the praise of His glory and that His suffering is the source of our salvation.