"...you and I know that God did not do anything wrong. God always does what is wise. And you and I know that God could have held up that bridge with one hand.” Talitha said, “With his pinky.” “Yes,” I said, “with his pinky. Which means that God had a purpose for not holding up that bridge, knowing all that would happen, and he is infinitely wise in all that he wills.”
- John Piper describing his prayer time with his daughter last night in the Twin Cities.
UPDATE: Pastor M recommends you read the iMonk on this. I wouldn't disagree. (Ever.)
UPDATE 2: Wise beyond his years, Brad Boydson says:
(Piper's) monergistic Calvinism comes through -- "...God had a purpose for not holding up that bridge, knowing all that would happen, and he is infinitely wise in all that he wills..."
I'd be content to say that in his sovereignty God will work out his plan -- weaving together the mundane, the tragic, and the joyous into his great tapestry. It's not that he willed people to die in a tragedy but that he takes the things which naturally happen because we individually and collectively live too independently of him -- the tragedies -- and recycles them so that ultimately they become a part of his glorious plan for the world and his people. "...we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." (The Message, Romans 8:29)
There's some interesting discussion in the comments on this post.
