Suffering

Friday, March 8, 2013

Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 | Psalm 24 | John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

PRIVILEGED SUFFERING

“Let us beset the just one.” - Wisdom 2:12

“Let us condemn him to a shameful death.” - Wisdom 2:20

Three weeks from today is Good Friday. On that day, we will remember that Jesus suffered and died for love of us. We also remember that in our own flesh we “fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church” (Colossians 1:24). Jesus has left room for our sufferings to be included in His plan of redemption. Not that they save us, far from it, but we have the privilege of sharing in the sufferings of our Lord.

Jesus said, “Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12). May we be “judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of the Name” of Jesus (Acts 5:41). May our lives be “not like other men’s” (Wisdom 2:15) so that we will be privileged (Philippians 1:29) to suffer revilement for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10).

Rejoice “in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings”

(I Peter 4:13). “If anyone suffers for being a Christian…he ought not to be ashamed. He should rather glorify God in virtue of that name” (I Peter 4:16). Suffer, rejoice, and love.

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to take up my crosses daily (Luke 9:23). May I know how to share in Jesus’ sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death (Philippians 3:10).