Chapter 33: Pages 468-478, Romans 5, 8, Luke 13, and Romans 1
...[S]ince what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For
since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal
power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from
what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20
This afternoon, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) with Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 6 "Providence Over Sin" - moving to chapter thirty-three "A Wickedness God Especially Abhorred".
Here, Piper explores God's providence over the suffering and death of children. He first explores how God deals harshly with those in the Old Testament who sacrifice their own children. He then quickly moves to the shedding of blood during the Great Flood and during the Passover in Exodus 12. While of no comfort, Piper reminds us - through use of Paul in Romans 5:12-21 - that the original sin from the Fall brought suffering and death for all - no one escapes the consequences. He then points to Romans 8:20-23 where all - including children - experience eternal life in Heaven.
We are then urged to look at Luke 13:1-5 where Piper sees "all calamity as a call to repentance."
Finally, Piper looks at Romans 1:19-20 for hope with children not yet able to declare Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Piper believes that children that "don't have the perception through mental reflection, and therefore do not have access to the revelation of God, and therefore will be treated by God as having an excuse at the judgment day." As a father to a special needs child - I embrace this hope.
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God who has given me faith and You have given me hope - I am grateful beyond what my words describe. Thank You Jesus! Yet I am undeserving of the love You pour out for me. I worry and I have many other sins...today and every day. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
