
The issue of pain and evil in the world could be considered the number one cause of atheism today. C.S. Lewis Sums up the problem of pain and those who doubt God’s existence in his famous book The Problem of Pain:
“If God were good, He would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy, and if God were almighty, He would be able to do what He wished. But the creatures are not happy. Therefore, God lacks either goodness, power, or both.”
"6 But someone has testified somewhere, saying, 'What is man, that You think of him? Or a son of man, that You are concerned about him? 7 You have made him for a little while lower than angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor; 8 You have put everything in subjection under his feet.' For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him." – Hebrews 2:6–8
In this chapter of Hebrews, the author deals with the problem of pain by urging his audience to reflect on the storyline line of humanity and God’s plan of redemption.
The author says, right now we see that the world is subjected to man. The word subjected means, to make subservient to, to force to submit to. In other words, before the fall, man exercised dominion according to God’s plan, but after man's fall, that dominion was suspended as a result sin entered the world which points to the origin of pain and evil.
“The fall of man was an utter disaster, plunging humanity into chaos, confusion, defeat, and death. As a result, humanity suffered loss in every imaginable way intellectually, psychologically, morally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Adam and Eve had been deceived by a servant, one of the lowest of their creaturely subjects. They had been tricked into thinking they would become like God Genesis 3: 4-6. Instead, they fell from their trajectory of dominion and became victims of the creation they were meant to rule over.” – Chuck Swindoll
In verses 8-9, the author explains God's plan to restore man’s lost dominion through Christ.
"'...You have put all things in subjection under his feet.' For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. 9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." – Hebrews 2:8–9
One of the questions that arises from the letter of Hebrews is how can we avoid drifting from God when pain and suffering are all around us? The author suggests focusing on what God has done about pain and evil through Christ. In this section of the letter, there are three victories to focus on.
Firstly: Jesus' earthly ministry enabled Him to regain man’s lost dominion.
Let's reread Hebrews 2:6-8 together.
"But one has testified somewhere, saying, 'What is man, that You remember him? Or the son of man, that You are concerned about him? 7 You have made him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And have appointed him over the works of Your hands; 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.' For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him."
So now we understand the argument of verse 9 the author says we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death for everyone. In other words, here is God’s answer to man’s dilemma – Jesus Christ became a man so that he might restore the dominion that was lost because of sin.
The Apostle Paul explains it this way in Colossians 2:13–15 –
"When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."
We can live with the knowledge that Jesus has dealt with pain and evil and is in full authority in heaven and on earth. We no longer have to live in fear that evil will overtake us.
Secondly: Jesus’ earthly ministry enabled him to disarm Satan and deliver us from death.
"Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham." – Hebrews 2:14-16
Satan is the author of sin according to John 8:44 and sin brings death according to Romans 6:23, and in this way, Satan’s power over the world ends in death.
"The phrase 'render powerless' does not mean 'to annihilate.' Satan is still alive and working in the world. This phrase means 'to render inoperative,' 'to make of no effect.' In other words, Satan is not destroyed, but he is disarmed.” – Warren Wiersbe
In Christ, generational curses are broken. We are free to exercise faith and see the effects of sin and evil reversed in our lives.
Thirdly, Jesus’ earthly ministry enabled him to be a sympathetic high priest to his people.
"Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." – Hebrews 2:17-18
The angels cannot identify with us in our weaknesses and needs but Jesus can.
When He was here on earth He was made like unto his brethren in that he knew the experiences of weariness, hunger, and thirst. He knew what it was to be despised and rejected, to be lied about and falsely accused. He experienced physical suffering and death. These experiences were part of his preparation for His heavenly ministry as our high priest.
“The fact that human beings have a conscience and an innate understanding of what is evil is evidence for God not against him and we will learn that God is not silent in the face of evil.” – Tim Keller
Until next time, stay strong in the Lord!
Pastor Bob

About Pastor Bob Moya, DMin.
Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership in the spring of 2024. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee from Starbucks, or spending time with his family.
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