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Suffering Joy Michael Fletcher. Suffering. Paul is a normal guy…. While having coffee with Paul in 2007, I asked him probing question: “What Scripture has touched your heart more than any other?” His Answer: Isaiah 50.10-11. The 3 Rules of Biblical Exegesis. 1. Context
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Suffering Joy • Michael Fletcher
Paul is a normal guy… • While having coffee with Paul in 2007, I asked him probing question: • “What Scripture has touched your heart more than any other?” • His Answer: Isaiah 50.10-11
The 3 Rules of Biblical Exegesis • 1. Context • 2. Context • 3. Context
Context of Isaiah 50.10-11 • God tells the people not to substitute darkness for light or vice versa (Isaiah 5.20; 1.11-15, 28-31; etc.) • God declared he would turns darkness into light (Isaiah 4.4; 30.26; 42.16; 58-8-10; etc.)
More on Context • Numerous times he tells them “do not fear people,” but rather “fear God.” (Isaiah 2.23; 7.4; 10.24; 41.10, 13-14; 43.1, 5; 51.7; 57.11) • Concerning Fear: • Exodus 3.14
Isaiah 50.10-11 (My Translation) • Who among you all is fearful of YHWH? • Hearing the voice of his servant? • He who walks in darkness (is fearful of YHWH) • Indeed, even when there is no light for him • He will be confident in the name of YHWH • Indeed, he will be supported by his God. • Behold all you kindlers of fire! (those who are not fearful of YHWH) • Girding yourselves with torches • Go! By the flame of your fires • Indeed, even by the torches you have all lit • From my hand, this will be for you all • To sorrow you will all lie down.
Walking in Darkness • It is exactly the person who walks in darkness who is “fearful of God.” • They do not create their own light. • Patience. Passion. Passio. Suffering.
Patience Before Birth Isaiah continues…(51.1-3) • “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness • Who seek the Lord (the people from Isaiah 50.10) • Look to the rock from which you were hewn • And to the quarry from which you were dug • Look to Abraham your father • And to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain • When he was but one I called him • Then I blessed him and multiplied him • Indeed, the Lord will comfort….”
Romans 5 • “…we exult in our tribulations • Knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance • And perseverance, proven character • And proven character, hope • And hope does not disappoint • Because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts • Through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
What does it mean to Suffer with Christ? • Torture? • Everyday life? • Augustine, City of God(stirring example)
Suffering Joy • The Lord will comfort (Isaiah 51.3) • Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5) • How will you respond to being stirred? • An example of my suffering…
I pray you are a delightful • fragrance of Suffering Joy • because you are • patient & not afraid • because hope does not disappoint.