SUFFERING AND AFFLICTION UNDERSTANDING SUFFERING BIBLE READING: Matthew 16:21-28 KEY BIBLE VERSE: From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he had to go to Jerusalem, and he told them what would happen to him there. He would suffer at the hands of the leaders and the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, and he would be raised on the third day. (Matthew 16:21) GOD’S PLAN INCLUDED SUFFERING This passage corresponds to Daniel’s prophecies: the Messiah would be cut off (Daniel 9:26); there would be a period of trouble (Daniel 9:27); and the king would come in glory (Daniel 7:13-14). The disciples would endure the same suffering as their King and, like him, would be rewarded in the end. SUFFERING IS NOT ALWAYS AVOIDABLE Peter, Jesus’ friend and devoted follower who had just eloquently proclaimed Jesus’ true identity, sought to protect him from the suffering he prophesied. But if Jesus hadn’t suffered and died, Peter (and we) would have died in his sins. Be cautious of advice from a friend who says, “Surely God doesn’t want you to face this.” Often our most difficult temptations come from those who love us and seek to protect us from all harm and discomfort. BIBLE READING: Mark 9:1-13 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order. Why then is it written in the Scriptures that the Son of Man must suffer and be treated with utter contempt? But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and he was badly mistreated, just as the Scriptures predicted.” (Mark 9:12-13) GOD IS NOT IMMUNE TO SUFFERING It was difficult for the disciples to grasp the idea that their Messiah would have to suffer. The Jews who studied the Old Testament prophecies expected the Messiah to be a great king like David, who would overthrow the enemy, Rome. Their vision was limited to their own time and experience. They could not understand that the values of God’s eternal kingdom were different from the values of the world. They wanted relief from their present problems. But deliverance from sin is far more important than deliverance from physical suffering or political oppression. Our understanding of and appreciation for Jesus must go beyond what he can do for us here and now. BIBLE READING: John 9:1-41 KEY BIBLE VERSE: “Teacher,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:2-3) SUFFERING IS NOT ALWAYS A RESULT OF SIN A common belief in Jewish culture was that calamity or suffering was the result of some great sin. But Christ used this man’s suffering to teach about faith and to glorify God. We live in a fallen world where good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior not always punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes suffer. If God took suffering away whenever we asked, we would follow him for comfort and convenience, not out of love and devotion. Regardless of the reasons for our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it. When you suffer from a disease, tragedy, or disability, try not to ask, “Why did this happen to me?” or “What did I do wrong?” Instead, ask God to give you strength for the trial and a clearer perspective on what is happening. BIBLE READING: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 KEY BIBLE VERSE: When we could stand it no longer, we decided that I should stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our co-worker for God and our brother in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from becoming disturbed by the troubles you were going through. But, of course, you know that such troubles are going to happen to us Christians. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3) GOD MAKES USE OF SUFFERING Some think that troubles are always caused by sin or a lack of faith. Trials may be a part of God’s plan for believers. Experiencing problems and persecutions can build character (James 1:2-4), patience (Romans 5:3-5), and sensitivity toward others who also face trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Problems are unavoidable for God’s people. Your troubles may be a sign of effective Christian living. UNDERGOING SUFFERING BIBLE READING: Luke 21:5-36 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls. (Luke 21:17-19) JESUS NEVER PROMISED THAT HIS FOLLOWERS WOULD NOT SUFFER Jesus was not saying that believers would be exempt from physical harm or death during the persecutions. Remember that most of the disciples were martyred. Rather he was saying that none of his followers would suffer spiritual or eternal loss. On earth, everyone will die, but believers in Jesus will be saved for eternal life. FOR CHRISTIANS, THERE IS HOPE BEYOND SUFFERING The picture of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is a cause not for worry but for great joy. When believers see these events happening, they will know that the return of their Messiah is near, and they can look forward to his reign of justice and peace. Rather than be terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ’s return to bring justice and restoration to his people. GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO ENJOY SUFFERING Only days after telling the disciples to pray that they might escape persecution, Jesus himself asked God to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was God’s will (Luke 22:41-42). It is abnormal to want to suffer, but as Jesus’ followers we should be willing to suffer if by doing so we can help build God’s kingdom. We have two wonderful promises to help us as we suffer: God will always be with us (Matthew 28:20), and he will one day rescue us and give us eternal life (Revelation 21:1-4). BIBLE READING: Hebrews 2:5-18 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) THROUGH HIS SUFFERING, JESUS FULLY IDENTIFIED WITH US How was Jesus made perfect through suffering? Jesus’ suffering made him a perfect leader, or pioneer, of our salvation. Jesus did not need to suffer for his own salvation, because he was God in human form. His perfect obedience (which led him down the road of suffering) demonstrates that he was the complete sacrifice for us. Through suffering, Jesus completed the work necessary for our own salvation. Our suffering can make us more sensitive servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with compassion to others who hurt. If you have suffered, ask God how your experience can be used to help others. JESUS UNDERSTANDS OUR SUFFERING Knowing that Christ suffered pain and faced temptation helps us face our trials. Jesus understands our struggles because he faced them as a human being. We can trust Christ to help us survive suffering and overcome temptation. When you face trials, go to Jesus for strength and patience. He understands your needs and is able to help (see Hebrews 4:14-16). BIBLE READING: Hebrews 5:1-10 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8) JESUS WAS WILLING TO OBEY, EVEN BEYOND SUFFERING WHEN NECESSARY Jesus was in great agony as he prepared to face death (Luke 22:41-44). Although Jesus cried out to God asking to be delivered, he was prepared to suffer humiliation, separation from his Father, and death in order to do God’s will. At times we will undergo trials, not because we want to suffer, but because we want to obey God. Let Jesus’ obedience sustain and encourage you in times of trial. You will be able to face anything if you know that Jesus Christ is with you. SUFFERING MAY BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE SUBMISSION BEFORE GOD Have you ever felt that God didn’t hear your prayers? Be sure you are praying with reverent submission, willing to do what God wants. God responds to his obedient children. JESUS DID NOT AVOID SUFFERING Jesus’ human life was not a script that he passively followed. It was a life that he chose freely (John 10:17-18). It was a continuous process of making the will of God the Father his own. Jesus chose to obey, even though obedience led to suffering and death. Because Jesus obeyed perfectly, even under great trial, he can help us obey, no matter how difficult obedience seems to be. BIBLE READING: James 1:2-8 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:2-3) SUFFERING IS ONE OF THE UNAVOIDABLE PASSAGES IN LIFE James doesn’t say if you face trials, but whenever you face them. He assumes that we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them. The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook (“be happy”) because of what trials can produce in our life. James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning. Tough times can teach us patience. For other passages dealing with patience (also called perseverance and steadfastness), see Romans 2:7; 5:3-5; 8:24-25; 2 Corinthians 6:3-7; 2 Peter 1:2-9. WHAT IS TRUE WILL REMAIN TRUE, EVEN IN SUFFERING We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It is easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly? God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain. Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for promising to be with you in rough times. Ask him to help you solve your problems or to give you the strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; he will stay close and help you grow. God Save the World, Inc.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:09:00 +0000
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