The Saint & His Suffering

THE SAINT & HIS SUFFERING

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18

The Bible never sugar-coats the subject of suffering. Although the subject is not our favorite topic to dwell on, it is mentioned numerous times in the Scriptures. We don't like to dwell on this subject. Books, seminars and sermons tend to be about more popular topics. Yet there is no subject that hits home like this one.

The longer we live on earth, the more we encounter suffering. We witness suffering among our fellow humans. Even more heartbreaking is the sight of close family members enduring times of intense pain. Our own suffering forces us to deal with this subject personally. It is easy for TV evangelists to teach that pain, suffering and disease can be eradicated with a simple prayer or a financial gift to their ministry. Yet in private, they struggle with the very same challenges as the rest of us.

Let it be known that God is able to heal. Divine healing still occurs. But this healing is not something that we can manipulate God into performing for us. He is sovereign. He does things after the counsel of His own will.

Suffering and death have come upon mankind because of Adam's fall in the Garden of Eden. As his descendants, we have inherited many problems, including pain. Death is an undeniable part of our future. Unless Jesus returns first, each one of us will encounter physical death.

How should a Christian respond to this? Sadly, most of us wish to live in fantasy, hoping that it will all go away. Living in denial does not alter the truth. Reality has a way of reminding us of our mortality.

PRESENT PAIN

As believers we need to knowledge that suffering is part of the human condition. Pain and death will come to each of us. Although we'd rather think of happier subjects, we need to come to terms with this reality. Our theology needs to come from the Bible and not from pop psychology or wishful thinking. It is a fantasy to believe that suffering and death are not part of the human situation.

In Romans 8, Paul wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Paul did not sidestep the fact that suffering is part of life. Paul refers to our pain as “... the sufferings of this present time...” If we omit suffering from our theology, we are denying a Biblical truth. The fact is that Adam's sin continues to afflict all of us. You can't live on this earth and not be impacted by Adam's fall.

When I visit a hospital, nursing home or hospice house, I am reminded that many suffer greatly. I have great empathy for each patient. I know that it is only by the grace of God that I am not committed to such a healthcare facility right now. We don't know what the future holds. One day, I may be a patient in the very treatment center that I visit.

I admit that there are certain things I'd prefer to avoid. Yet I have no control over these things. They are in the hands of God. Yet I know that suffering is part of life.

PERMANENT GLORY

Here is the good news about suffering. For the Christian, suffering is only temporary. It may be excruciating and lead to our earthly death, but we will leave all our pain behind when we die. Our text tells us, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Our present sufferings cannot really be compare to the glory that is just ahead for us.

There is glory just ahead for the believer. One day, we'll receive a new body. We will live in a better place. We'll be with Jesus forever. Glory is just ahead.

The pain and problems of this life will pale in comparison to the bliss of heaven. The toils of this life are only to be endured for a few years here on earth. The joy of heaven is ours to experience forever.

Death will be our transition from mortality to immortality. We'll graduate from pain to pleasure. The challenges of this life will be behind us. The celebration will just begin.

Let me ask you. Are you ready to leave this world? These days, the false doctrine of universalism is growing in popularity. Universalism teaches that everyone is going to heaven. The Bible explicitly states otherwise. The only way for a sinner to reach heaven is through the shed blood of Christ. Jesus is more than just a good way to heaven. He is more than the best way to heaven. He is the ONLY way to heaven. Turn from sin and trust the Savior today.

You may be one heartbeat away from eternity.

Pain And Power

 PAIN AND POWER

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

No one enjoys suffering. We tend to treat pain like an intruder that forcefully enters our lives and robs us of our peace and vitality. It is difficult to grasp the fact that pain may actually produce positive results. For instance, a woman cannot enjoy the bliss of motherhood without going through labor pains. As we advance through the teenage years, our maturity typically comes as we endure growing pains. When a person joins a health club, he strives for optimal health by enduring great pain while he exercises. A muscle cannot grow without being stretched. This stretching process, when conducted properly, can be very painful at first, but ultimately produces positive results.

In a similar manner, spiritual growth often occurs through painful circumstances. We'd prefer spiritual growth that requires little effort or pain. But that is not how growth occurs. The most mature believers are the ones who've endured great pain and challenges. Their growth occurred in the school of affliction.

Such was the case for the Apostle Paul. He endured a painful experience that he called, “a thorn in the flesh.” The word, “thorn,” is metaphorically speaking of something that caused a great deal of pain for Paul. Some have speculated that this was a health issue, like poor eye-sight. Others believe that this “thorn,” was a person who caused him grief. The Bible doesn't give a lot of information about this thorn. It does say that the thorn was a messenger of Satan, designed to cause him pain. The devil caused his painful experience.

Paul was given insight concerning this “thorn.” He wrote, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” God permitted this painful experience so that Paul would be kept humble. It seems that Paul had a tendency to get proud. Although the devil was the one who caused the thorn, God permitted it. Apparently, Paul needed it.

Like many of us, Paul prayed for relief. He specifically asked God to remove this thorn. That sounds like a reasonable request, doesn't it? I think I would do the same thing in a similar situation. In spite of Paul's prayer, God refused to remove the thorn.

If you're like me, it hurts when God denies a prayer request.  We think it is obvious that the answer should be a resounding, “yes.” However, God has more in mind than our temporal comfort or pleasure. His purposes run deeper than our surface desires. God's denial of Paul's request was not due to some flaw in his request. He was honest. He was sincere. Yet the answer was still, “no.”

God denied Paul's request because He had something better in mind for Paul. Here is God's actual reply to Paul's request: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Rather than taking away the thorn, God would provide Paul with grace. This grace was sufficient for the situation. Through Paul's painful experience, God would demonstrate His perfect power.

Perhaps there are times God permits our affliction so that His great strength would be manifest through our weak lives. How do people endure such great problems? Is it not because God's grace and strength empowers them to endure? Maybe that is your case today.

Rather than complaining about God's denial of his request, Paul rejoiced. He wrote, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Paul learned a valuable lesson. It's a lesson we need to learn today. It is better to experience His power during our times of affliction than to live a carefree life without Him.

“When I am weak, then am I strong.” It is healthy to confess our weaknesses. We are not as strong as we think we are. In just a brief moment, our health can be taken away. The things that matter most to us can be removed in an instant. Death could come any time. No, we're not as strong as we think we are. Yet because of this truth, we should seek the divine strength that Paul enjoyed. No, I can't handle all my burdens, but I can call on the One who can. No, I can't move mountains out of my way, but I can entrust my future to the Mountain Mover. Many issues are complex and seem impossible to resolve. But my God specializes in impossible situations.

In our pain, He provides power. Power to go forward. Power to make it through this day. Strength for the battles I face. Help that I need most.

When I am weak, then I am strong.

The Preacher And His Pain

THE PREACHER AND HIS PAIN

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” - Acts 9:15-16

Ministry can be difficult and challenging. In addition to the responsibilities of preaching (sermon preparation, prayer and administration duties), ministers often face unrealistic expectations and congregational demands. Nearly every pastor has been the recipient of criticism, gossip and misunderstandings. Extra duties, such as funerals, weddings and counseling can drain a pastor of personal and family time. If he is a bi-vocational pastor like myself, he also must earn a living outside of the church so he can provide for his family. Yes, ministry can be tough!

In Acts 9, Paul had an encounter with God on the road to Damascus. God then sent Ananias to minister to Paul. Speaking to Ananias, the Lord said, “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” Notice that God revealed that Paul would suffer as a Christian. He would face great pain as he preached the Gospel.

Paul lost everything to follow Christ. In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul wrote, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”

Paul's ministry was filled with pain and challenges. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul testified that he endured, “in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” Not very glamorous, is it?

Why did Paul suffer so much?

First of all, following Christ brings persecution. Paul wrote, “...all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Notice he did not say that the godly in Christ Jesus MIGHT suffer persecution. No, they SHALL suffer persecution. If you are not being persecuted, perhaps you are not following Jesus as close as you should.

Secondly, dealing with people usually brings painful results. It has been said, “hurting people often hurt people and are easily hurt themselves.” If you wish to minister to people, you must understand that the very people you seek to help are often in great pain themselves. They can be offensive, angry and even violent at times. The people who need help the most are often hostile towards any help that is offered. Paul took the light of Christ into a dark world. Those who dwell in darkness resist the light, sometimes angrily.

Third, the Lord promised that Paul's ministry would be filled with pain. When Ananias was sent to minister to Paul, God gave this prophetic word, “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” Paul was chosen to suffer. This seems to go against the grain of our thinking. We think that God's will should lead us only in easy paths, comfortable circumstances and happy days. Yet that is simply not always the case. Paul would suffer greatly as he spread the Gospel.

As we seek to accomplish God's will, we shouldn't be surprised when pain comes our way. While reading the Scriptures, you'll find that prophets and preachers suffered. John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. Jeremiah was cast into the pit. Elijah was threatened by Jezebel. For Jesus, doing His Father's will led Him to a cross. As His followers, we are called to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

If you are not a preacher, let me challenge you to pray for your pastor. His life may be lonely and difficult. Intercede for him and his family. Encourage him every chance you get.

If you are a minister, let me encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Focus on the finish. Seek the applause of heaven, not the praise of men. Stay faithful to the Word, do the work of an evangelist and be fervent in prayer. As you minister to the sheep, keep close to the Good Shepherd yourself.

As we near the finish line, let's finish well. It will be worth it all when we see the Lord!

Why Did Jesus Suffer?

 WHY DID JESUS SUFFER?

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:4-5

Why did Jesus suffer and die on the cross? I think most of us would think this is an easy question to answer. Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins. Yet I want to go deeper than this. Why, specifically, was such a death necessary to pay for our sins? Why did He have to die on a cross? Why did He have to endure such an excruciating death?

Unless Jesus returns in our lifetime, you and I will die someday. Have you ever thought about how you wish to die? The simplest way is to die in your sleep. It seems rather painless (or so we suppose). However, there are people who will die in horrific ways. Some will die in automobile accidents. Others will die in natural disasters, like a tornado. There are people who will die in a house fire. There are workplace accidents that are lethal. The fact is that we have little or no control over when we will die or how we will die.

Yet Jesus knew when He would die. He also knew how He would die. For this purpose He came to this earth.

Again I return to the original question. Why did Jesus have to suffer? Why did he have to die on a cross ... why not by some other means?

Here are some things for us to ponder.

First of all, Jesus had to suffer because prophecy predicted it. Isaiah wrote, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” The suffering of Jesus was prophesied. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” The suffering and death of Jesus were clearly described in the writings of the prophets many years before Jesus came to earth.

Secondly, Jesus suffered because redemption requires it. The Bible says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” Redemption of sinful men required a blood sacrifice. Leviticus 17:11 says, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” The life of the flesh is in the blood. Jesus gave His life (and shed His blood), so that we may have life. Our spiritual life is received through His blood. It is the blood of Christ that paid for sins. It is His blood that redeemed us. 1 Peter 1:18-19 states, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” So many think that they are redeemed by a sinner's prayer or walking the isle of a church. The Bible makes it clear that we are redeemed (paid for) by the blood of the Lord Jesus. Thus, Jesus could not redeem us if He died of natural causes. His blood had to be shed.

Jesus had to suffer because justice demanded it. The redemption of lost men would require such suffering. As humans, we tend to underestimate the nature of sin. We want to classify most sins as being minor blemishes or flaws. We categorize sins by our own standards. Our own sins tend to seem small to us. There is a standard for us to use, but it isn't the standard we want to implement. God has a standard. In fact, it is the standard He will use in judging individuals. The real standard is perfection. Our sins are acts of high treason against God and His reign. Sin is so serious that the penalty of sin is death.  In order for His justice to be satisfied, someone has to die for my sins and yours. On Golgotha, the mercy of God and the justice of God met. There on the cross, justice was carried out as Jesus died for our sins. Salvation was purchased there and now is provided freely to every one who believes. Justice could only be satisfied as the sinless Son of God died in our place.

Finally, Jesus suffered because love inspired it. No one has ever suffered like Jesus did upon the cross. His suffering was a divine act of love. John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Furthermore, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus suffered because of God's incredible love for you and me. God loved us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son to save us. That is love.

Jesus suffered the fate that we should have received. Through His suffering, we have everlasting life.

Such an awesome Savior deserves our love and devotion today!

Why Did Job Suffer?

WHY DID JOB SUFFER?

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” - Job 1:8

Suffering. The very word is unsettling. We are deeply troubled when we hear of a child suffering from cancer. We are bothered when a dear friend faces a terminal disease. When suffering becomes personal, it brings great anguish and raw emotions. As humans, we yearn to live free from pain.

The Bible never sugar-coats the subject of suffering. From the Garden of Eden until the final pages of the book of Revelation, the Bible clearly shows us that pain is part of the human condition. Theologically, we know that pain and suffering are the results of Adam's sin in the garden. Adam's selfish act has brought sin, suffering and death upon all of humanity.

The book of Job deals with the subject of suffering unlike any other book in the Bible. Job's encounter with pain is graphically described in the book bearing his name. His suffering was acute and noteworthy.

This raises the question, why did Job suffer?

In Job's case, we catch a glimpse of something that Job was never allowed to know. In the opening chapter of the book of Job, we find God and the devil having a discussion. The devil admitted that he had been “... going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Then God said, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” This began a series of trials that Job endured.

I hate to admit it. I feel like the late Ron Dunn who once said that if the Lord and the devil had such a conversation today, he hoped the Lord would leave his name out of it. Who wants to go through what Job went through? He received news that he lost his children. He lost his health. His friends turned on him. His wife was did not support him. His possessions were rather useless. Job was left to suffer all alone. I am not sure what was worse, the physical suffering he endured or the loss of the very relationships he needed most.

Behind the scenes, there was a spiritual battle going on. The devil felt like he could conquer one of God's great men. As Lester Roloff once said, the devil thought he could put more on Job than God's grace could sustain. It was a high stakes contest. Yet Job did not know this was going on. All that he knew was that his life had come apart.

So again, I pose the question, why did Job suffer?

First of all, Job suffered because the devil caused it. The devil caused Job's suffering. The evil, wicked foe attacked Job with fervor. As humans, we tend to underestimate the power of the devil. Even Christians can be guilty of this. The devil is the god of this world. Although he is on a leash, he still causes incredible pain and trouble in our world. That was the case for Job. Job's life instantly turned to misery. The devil was responsible for it.

Secondly, Job suffered because the Lord permitted it. No, the Lord did not cause Job's grief, but He allowed it. We can be tempted to think that our times of suffering occur outside of God's sovereignty. We can wrongly think that because our suffering came as a surprise to us, it must have caught God off guard, too. Nothing is further from the truth. God is sovereign. He knows all things. He is in control. It may seem unthinkable that God would permit pain and suffering, but He does. Since we are living in a sin-cursed world, we should expect suffering. God temporarily permits suffering in this world. One day, He will put a stop to it.

Third, Job's suffering brought personal and spiritual growth to him. Like Job, most of our growth comes through painful experiences. The final chapters of Job record a long message that God personally delivers to Job. As a result, Job humbly worshiped God. I am sure that Job learned much from his experience. Job 42:12-13 says, “... the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters.” Job's story had a happy ending.

It seems like the most saintly Christians endure the most affliction. When we see a devoted Christian suffer and die, we are tempted to think that their story didn't have a happy ending like Job's. But that is not true. You see, when a born-again believer dies, the worst is behind them and the best has just begun. In heaven, the devil won't be troubling us. Suffering will never come. We won't endure pain. Death will be a thing of the past. We will enjoy the best that God has to offer. We'll enjoy His presence forever. Our story has a happy future ahead. We will be happy forever.

That's what I'm looking forward to. What about you?