The Theology of The Theology of SufferingSuffering

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015

Who is Ralph Branca?Who is Ralph Branca? A pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, A pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers,

starting his career with them in 1944starting his career with them in 1944 A friend of Jackie Robinson’sA friend of Jackie Robinson’s A heroA hero A goat A goat

Friend of Jackie Robinson: Friend of Jackie Robinson: February 1948February 1948

Ralph BrancaRalph Branca

Hero… (from 2012)Hero… (from 2012) But Branca was uniquely qualified to speak to the kids But Branca was uniquely qualified to speak to the kids

about Robinson. He was a star pitcher on the 1947 about Robinson. He was a star pitcher on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers when Robinson broke the color line. Brooklyn Dodgers when Robinson broke the color line. He had refused to sign the petition circulated by some He had refused to sign the petition circulated by some Dodgers teammates vowing not to play if Robinson was Dodgers teammates vowing not to play if Robinson was on the team, had extended his hand and said, on the team, had extended his hand and said, "Welcome aboard" to Robinson in the clubhouse, and "Welcome aboard" to Robinson in the clubhouse, and had stood next to Robinson when the team was had stood next to Robinson when the team was introduced on Opening Day -- much to the introduced on Opening Day -- much to the consternation of Branca's brother.consternation of Branca's brother.

"I got home that day," Branca told the kids, " and my "I got home that day," Branca told the kids, " and my brother said, 'What are you, nuts?'brother said, 'What are you, nuts?'

"I said, 'What are you talking about?'"I said, 'What are you talking about?' "He said, 'What if someone had tried to shoot Jackie "He said, 'What if someone had tried to shoot Jackie

but had lousy aim and hit you instead?'"but had lousy aim and hit you instead?'" Branca paused. "Then I would have died a hero," he Branca paused. "Then I would have died a hero," he

said.said.

Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca Recalls Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca Recalls Friendship With Jackie Robinson And Friendship With Jackie Robinson And Baseball’s History Of RacismBaseball’s History Of RacismHow a Mount Vernon native helped How a Mount Vernon native helped shape the Brooklyn Dodgers’ legacy.shape the Brooklyn Dodgers’ legacy.By Erik Ofgang (2014)By Erik Ofgang (2014)

Seventy years ago, in 1944, Branca made his Seventy years ago, in 1944, Branca made his big-league debut with the Dodgers. Over the big-league debut with the Dodgers. Over the course of his 12-year, injury-shortened career, course of his 12-year, injury-shortened career, he’d win 88 games, tally 829 strikeouts, and he’d win 88 games, tally 829 strikeouts, and register a 3.79 ERA. But Branca’s register a 3.79 ERA. But Branca’s accomplishments are often overshadowed by accomplishments are often overshadowed by one play that occurred in 1951 in a playoff at the one play that occurred in 1951 in a playoff at the Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan. Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan.

Who is Ralph Branca?Who is Ralph Branca? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrI7dV

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In 1951…In 1951… Branca won 21 games for the Dodgers that Branca won 21 games for the Dodgers that

season, helping pitch them to the World season, helping pitch them to the World Series. But like Bill Buckner, his career has Series. But like Bill Buckner, his career has been defined by a single moment -- he was been defined by a single moment -- he was the pitcher who gave up the home run to the pitcher who gave up the home run to Bobby Thomson in the 1951 playoff game Bobby Thomson in the 1951 playoff game between the Dodgers and Giants, a home between the Dodgers and Giants, a home run that became known as the "Shot Heard run that became known as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World."'Round the World."

The Agony of DefeatThe Agony of Defeat

Jackie Robinson Day, Jackie Robinson Day, 20072007

Ralph Branca, David Robinson, Rachel Ralph Branca, David Robinson, Rachel Robinson, and Mets Manager Willie Robinson, and Mets Manager Willie RandolphRandolph

2015: Ralph Branca, 892015: Ralph Branca, 89

In 2001, Wall Street Journal reporter Joshua In 2001, Wall Street Journal reporter Joshua Prager detailed how the Giants had employed Prager detailed how the Giants had employed an elaborate sign-stealing operation, using a an elaborate sign-stealing operation, using a high-powered telescope in center field and a high-powered telescope in center field and a buzzer system to alert their batters to the next buzzer system to alert their batters to the next pitch. pitch.

Though rumors about the sign-stealing system Though rumors about the sign-stealing system had long circulated, and Branca had learned of had long circulated, and Branca had learned of it decades earlier, the article set the record it decades earlier, the article set the record straight publicly.straight publicly.

Why do we suffer?Why do we suffer?1)1) The consequence of sinThe consequence of sin Psalm 32:Psalm 32: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

    whose sin is covered.    whose sin is covered.2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away    through my groaning all day long.    through my groaning all day long.4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.     my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,5 I acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not cover my iniquity;    and I did not cover my iniquity;I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Psalm 51Psalm 51 Create in Me a Clean Heart, O GodCreate in Me a Clean Heart, O God To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the

prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God,Have mercy on me, O God,

    according to your steadfast love;    according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercyaccording to your abundant mercy    blot out my transgressions.    blot out my transgressions.2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,    and cleanse me from my sin!    and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,3 For I know my transgressions,    and my sin is ever before me.    and my sin is ever before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned4 Against you, you only, have I sinned    and done what is evil in your sight,    and done what is evil in your sight,so that you may be justified in your wordsso that you may be justified in your words    and blameless in your judgment.    and blameless in your judgment.

Psalm 51Psalm 51 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

    and in sin did my mother conceive me.    and in sin did my mother conceive me.6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 Let me hear joy and gladness;8 Let me hear joy and gladness;    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.9 Hide your face from my sins,9 Hide your face from my sins,    and blot out all my iniquities.    and blot out all my iniquities.10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,    and renew a right spirit within me.    and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from your presence,11 Cast me not away from your presence,    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,    and uphold me with a willing spirit.    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

2) Persecution:2) Persecution: Matthew 5: 10 – 12 Matthew 5: 10 – 12  “ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for Blessed are those who are persecuted for

righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.of heaven.

 “ “Blessed are you when others revile you and Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before they persecuted the prophets who were before you.you.

For Righteousness Sake:For Righteousness Sake: 1 Peter 3: 13 – 17  Now who is there to harm you if you 1 Peter 3: 13 – 17  Now who is there to harm you if you

are zealous for what is good? But even if you should are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.will, than for doing evil.

3) Trials to test your faith3) Trials to test your faith 1 Peter 6 – 9) In this you rejoice, though now 1 Peter 6 – 9) In this you rejoice, though now

for a little while, if necessary, you have been for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. faith, the salvation of your souls.

Job…Job… Job 13: 13 – 16 “Let me have silence, and I Job 13: 13 – 16 “Let me have silence, and I

will speak,will speak,    and let come on me what may.    and let come on me what may.Why should I take my flesh in my teethWhy should I take my flesh in my teeth    and put my life in my hand?    and put my life in my hand?Though he slay me, I will hope in him;[Though he slay me, I will hope in him;[a]]    yet I will argue my ways to his face.    yet I will argue my ways to his face.This will be my salvation,This will be my salvation,    that the godless shall not come before him.     that the godless shall not come before him.

4) To make us strong4) To make us strong James 1: 2 – 4 James 1: 2 – 4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you Count it all joy, my brothers, when you

meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.nothing.

5) Suffering helps us 5) Suffering helps us grow spirituallygrow spiritually

Romans 5: 3 – 5 Not only that, but we Romans 5: 3 – 5 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6) To give God the glory 6) To give God the glory He deservesHe deserves

The blind man in John 9The blind man in John 9 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And

his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.  We must work the works of him who sent me in him.  We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. and washed and came back seeing.

7) So God can show His 7) So God can show His power through uspower through us

  2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 10 So to keep me from 2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 10 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. then I am strong.

8) Can’t be compared to 8) Can’t be compared to the glory of eternal lifethe glory of eternal life

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.be revealed to us.

9) Because Jesus 9) Because Jesus suffered…suffered…

In Gethsemane (Luke 30 – 46)In Gethsemane (Luke 30 – 46) On the cross (Psalm 22)On the cross (Psalm 22) Isaiah 53 (the Suffering Servant)Isaiah 53 (the Suffering Servant) 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For our sake he 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For our sake he

made him to be sin who knew no sin, so made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”righteousness of God.”

9) Because Jesus 9) Because Jesus suffered…suffered…

We are saved! Hebrews 2: 9 – 11 We are saved! Hebrews 2: 9 – 11 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower

than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 1For it grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 1For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,…ashamed to call them brethren,…

9) Because He loves us9) Because He loves us Hebrews 12: 5 – 7 …and you have forgotten the Hebrews 12: 5 – 7 …and you have forgotten the

exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not there whom his father does not

What happened this What happened this year…year…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tmUzHfjz4k