Reference

Matthew 27:27-66

Matthew 27:27-66

Suffering is part of the human condition.   None of us like suffering but all of us experience it in various degrees or ways throughout our lives.  We see suffering around the world.  This past week’s chemical attack on civilians in Syria reminds us of the depravity of human beings and our capability to inflict tremendous suffering on others.  Today is also the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Vimy Ridge battle from World War 1.  April 9th, 1917, official records reveal two thousand, four hundred and fourteen Canadians died in this battle one hundred years ago.  And that does not include French, British and German casualties. 

Here today, we have not suffered a chemical weapons attack nor do our loved ones occupy trenches on a battlefield.  But some of you are suffering today – from illness or pain or difficult medical conditions; from trouble at work or home or maybe from the spiritual warfare that surrounds us.  The parents that you saw on this platform earlier have experienced great joy and some suffering because of these new little lives in their home. 

Suffering is one reason many question God’s existence.  How can a loving God allow such suffering in the world?