Sin and Suffering: Is There a Connection?
“For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, 13 know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the Lord your God has given you” Joshua 23: 13, 14.
The Israelite’s had finally made it to their promise land after years of struggle in the desert. In this passage Joshua is warning them not to allow the survivors of the nations God had given them to remain in the land.
This was to prevent unnecessary heartache.
I believe there is a figurative meaning to this passage as well. To read the whole chapter for context, click here.
The Thief Is Not the Devil
I believe the “remnants of these nations” represent the remaining sin in our lives that has not been dealt with. Sin will cause us pain and grief just like “thorns in our eyes” and “whips on our back” if we don’t deal with it.
If we sow to the flesh we will reap destruction if we don’t repent.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10: 10.
I don’t believe the thief in this passage is the devil or other people. I think it’s our own sin. No person on earth or devil in hell can prevent us from having that abundant life if we turn from our sin.
But if we instead excuse, justify and rationalize it, it will bring us pain and grief.
Turning from sin also causes a certain degree of pain and grief. That’s why we have such a hard time doing it.
Sin and Suffering and the Narrow Path
It is represented by the narrow path which according to Strong’s Bible Dictionary literally mean affliction, trouble and suffering tribulation.
It involves death to needs, self and preservation of life. During the process of turning from sin, we will feel vulnerable and uncomfortable, and even pain.
But the outcome, or destination of this narrow path is life and blessing and provision. If we instead choose the broad path, it will seem easier, more natural, more comfortable.
But the outcome or destination is death, pain and misery (Mathew 7: 13, 14).
Yes, turning from sin involves a degree of pain and grief. But the outcome is abundant life. Refusing to turn from sin is easier and more pleasant, at first.
To read another post related to Sin and Suffering: Is There a Connection? see Bearing Fruit In the Bible: Lessons From Nature.