Today, we want to delve into a profound topic in our devotion: theodicy, the question of God’s justice in the face of evil. This question has accompanied us through the centuries, and the Apostle Paul touches on it in Romans 3:1–4.
“What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: ‘So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.'” (Romans 3:1-4)
Theodicy is not just a theological question but a key aspect in the Great Controversy between Good and Evil. In Romans 3:4, Paul quotes Psalm 51:6, discussing how God is “justified in his words and triumphs when judged.” This introduces the concept of theodicy, the grappling with God’s justice despite the existence of evil in the world. The Great Controversy, unfolding before humans, angels, and the entire universe, reveals God’s goodness despite the challenges brought by evil.
Amidst suffering and sin in this world, it is often difficult for us to understand why God allows what happens. Yet, the words from the Great Controversy, as rendered in “The Good News” (GK), show that God’s goodness, wisdom, and justice will ultimately be revealed. Every question about truth and error will be clarified. Satan’s works will condemn him, and God’s actions in the Great Controversy will be unveiled as wise, just, and good.
Read Revelation 15:3: Why is it important to praise God even in the midst of trials? “And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: ‘Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the saints!'”
Despite life’s difficulties and incomprehensibilities, it is crucial to praise God. Worshiping and praising God in the midst of evil are acts of faith and dedication. Even though we cannot fully grasp the depth of theodicy, we can trust that God’s ways are just and true. Praising God demonstrates our faith that He will ultimately triumph.
Let us pray together and praise God, even when facing challenges. May our praise be an expression of our trust in God’s goodness and justice.
Lord, our Almighty God, today in our devotion, we have engaged with the profound question of theodicy, the question of your justice in the face of evil in the world. We recognize that this is not just a theological question but a key aspect in the Great Controversy between Good and Evil.
The words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 3:1–4 and the connection to theodicy show us that even in the midst of challenges and evil, your goodness and wisdom will ultimately be revealed. The Great Controversy lying ahead will unveil that you, Lord, act justly, wisely, and goodness, even when we, in our limited understanding, sometimes face confusion.
The significance of praise, as described in Revelation 15:3, reminds us that, despite life’s burdens, it is important to praise your greatness. In the midst of difficulties, praising is an act of faith and dedication. We trust that your ways are just and true, even though we cannot fully grasp the depth of theodicy.
In this trust and with hearts full of praise and worship, we come before you. May our praise be an expression of our unwavering faith in your goodness and justice. May our praises, even in the midst of challenges, be a testimony of our trust in your triumphant victory in the Great Controversy. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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