Expanded discussion on suffering

This week I want to make sure you are aware of some of the excellent lesson commentary from various sources cited on this site. For example, check out Mark Rathel’s remarks from the Florida Baptist Witness. He comments on this week’s ETB lesson “Respond Positively to God’s Discipline” from Job 33:13-22; 36:8-12. Mark expands the discussion of suffering by stating:

“A full-orbed biblical teaching to the problem of suffering goes beyond the questions raised in the book of Job. Genesis 3 teaches that suffering may be retributive or punitive. Suffering may be disciplinary; suffering one of God’s lesson plans to bring us closer to him. Job’s experience reveals that suffering may be a form of testing. Hosea teaches that suffering may be revelational. God knows the pain associated with an unfaithful spouse. Suffering may be testimonial. During suffering, we testify to the difference God makes. Christ’s sufferings were vicarious, that is, for our salvation.”