ICEL Suffering Joy Michael Fletcher

ICEL 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

ICEL The 3 Rules of Biblical Exegesis 1. Context 2. Context 3. Context

ICEL Context of Isaiah God tells the people not to substitute darkness for light or vice versa (Isaiah 5.20; , 28-31; etc.) God declared he would turns darkness into light (Isaiah 4.4; 30.26; 42.16; ; etc.)

ICEL 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

ICEL Isaiah (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.

ICEL 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.

ICEL 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….”

ICEL 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.”

ICEL What does it mean to Suffer with Christ? Torture? Everyday life? Augustine, City of God (stirring example)

ICEL 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…

ICEL I pray you are a delightful fragrance of Suffering Joy because you are patient & not afraid because hope does not disappoint.