Wrestling with the Goodness of God, Pilgrimage Road, Infected and Rachmones (Episode #215)

🎙️ Jew and Gentile Podcast Notes Opening Scripture Romans 12:17–18 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” If someone says they have no enemies—be careful. If you stand for Christ, you will have enemies. FOI has enemies. Equip has enemies. We’ve encountered them—they comment on our feeds. Response: Romans 12:21 — “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Review from Last Week The goodness of God – Psalm 119:65–72 (Teth). “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” Wrestling with God’s Goodness For centuries, people have asked: If God is good, why do bad things happen? Cleveland Plain Dealer (Terry Pluto’s faith column): Jewish survivor’s child: “I cannot believe in God. Four grandparents murdered in the Holocaust. Where was God?” Another writer: “God takes everything good away—my loved one, my mother’s health, my stepfather’s mind.” Harold Kushner – When Bad Things Happen to Good People Son Aaron with progeria (rare aging disease, 14-year life expectancy). Theodicy From theos (God) + dike (justice). How do we reconcile a good, powerful God with the reality of suffering? Jesus: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” (Mark 10:18) Psalm 119:73–80 (Yod) v73 “Your hands made me” → asking for discernment to learn His commandments. v74 The fear of the Lord brings gladness. Fear of the Lord Scriptures: Prov 9:10 – beginning of wisdom. Eccl 12:13 – whole duty of man. Ps 111:10 – understanding comes from practicing fear of the Lord. Prov 14:27 – fountain of life. Mal 3:16 – book of remembrance for those who fear Him. 2 Cor 7:1 – holiness completed in the fear of God. True “fear” = reverence, awe, standing in wonder before Him. v75 Affliction comes from God’s faithfulness—discipline, growth, deeper walk. v76–77 Mercy as comfort (“raham” = womb-like compassion). Supporting verses: Ps 117:2 – merciful kindness. Eph 2:4–5 – God rich in mercy. Ex 34:6 – merciful and gracious. News & Current Events 📰 Mass Displacement – https://twitter.com/nasdaily/status/1967216411081834775 Antisemitism in Canada – https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-867536 Charlie Kirk case https://www.foxnews.com/politics/neighbors-charlie-kirks-suspected-killer-tyler-robinson-speak-out https://nypost.com/2025/09/12/media/over-10k-posts-tie-charlie-kirks-murder-to-israel-as-conspiracy-theories-explode-online-adl-report/ Marco Rubio visits City of David archaeological site – https://www.timesofisrael.com/rubio-visits-contentious-jerusalem-archeological-site-boosting-israeli-claim-to-area/ Aliyah from the West – https://www.timesofisrael.com/even-as-western-aliyah-picks-up-new-arrivals-replace-fewer-than-half-of-israeli-emigrants/ JD Vance hosts Charlie Kirk Show – https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/vp-vance-host-charlie-kirk-show-memorial-arizona-9-15-2025 Paramount rejects Israeli film boycott – https://www.foxnews.com/media/paramount-rejects-israeli-film-boycott-supported-emma-stone-joaquin-phoenix-nearly-4000-others Yiddish Word of the Day Rachmones (רחמנות) – mercy, compassion, forgiveness, empathy. 📚 FOI Equip Update (Sponsored Segment) Two powerful upcoming FOI Equip classes: Isaiah 53 with Dr. Will Varner – September 11 & 18 A deep dive into the suffering servant through a Jewish lens. “Two Years Later: Eyewitness Account” with Sivan Oved – October 7 A powerful update on the events of October 7, 2023, from someone who lived it. 📲 Register now at: https://www.foiequip.org 📬 Connect With Us: Got a funny story? 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Your donation supports FOI Equip’s mission to teach the Bible from a Jewish perspective and raise up new FOI representatives and volunteers ministering in Jewish communities worldwide. 🎁 Get yours today: gofoi.org/mug 📚 FOI Resources & Ways to Get Involved Free 1-Year Trial – Israel My Glory Magazine: israelmyglory.org/subscribe Get Involved with FOI’s global outreach: foi.org/outreach   Pastors Plus foi.org/pastors 📘 Books: Chris Katulka’s Israel Always: foi.org/israelalways Steve Herzig’s Jewish Culture & Customs: foi.org/jcc 📖 Devotionals: messiahinpassover.org christmasisjewish.org 📰 News & Commentary: Harbingers Daily