March 8 – LD 10, Day 4: God’s
“Fatherly hand” Also Sends the “Bad”
by Rev. G. Van Baren
Read: Matthew 10
One thing often misunderstood is the statement concerning God’s “Fatherly
hand.” The Catechism clearly sets forth what the “Fatherly hand” of God
provides. We might state simply that His Fatherly hand provides not only
the “good,” but also the “bad.” Many object to the idea that God would
send anything “bad” on His people. Surely the “Fatherly hand” provides
that which is good (sunshine, fruitful years, health, and prosperity).
Should we not find some other cause for the “bad” than the Fatherly hand of
God? Is He not a loving and kind God? Would a loving God send some
terrible disease leading to my death? Would He cause dreadful sorrow and
grief for dear ones left behind?
But consider the figure well. How did your earthly father deal
with you? Did he only give you what you wanted? Were there no
occasions that he punished or chastised you in your rebellion? One young
lad was heard to cry out as his father spanked him, “Daddy, you don’t love
me.” Yet, upon reflection, one must confess that parents discipline their
children because they love
them.
We see this in God’s work. The “good” things He sends upon the
wicked are sent in His wrath. All things He sends upon His people, He
sends in His love. Danger is that we think the “good” things we receive
because of what we are or what we have done. But it is not so. The
“good” things the righteous receive are given to be
used to God’s glory and in mercy for Jesus’ sake. In fact, it is a very
great responsibility for the Christian to receive much wealth or good
health. Why? It is because he deserved none of these things but now
has the calling to use all to the glory of Father in heaven.
Are the “bad” things indeed bad? Not when viewed in the
light of Scripture. In the first place, we must never consider it as
God’s punishment for our sins. The punishment for our sins was borne on
the cross by Christ.
But secondly, we must understand that adversity can both instruct and
correct the Christian. He can often fall into sin. In the way of
adversity (as parents correct their children), God corrects His people.
But also, it is God’s way of instruction, turning us away from the earthly and
temporal, and directing our eyes heavenward.
Many Christians, even in their most difficult trials, state
emphatically, “God is good.”
And so it is.