“The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.” - George MacDonald
Humanity can feel heavy. Even creation groans under the weight of sin (Rom 8:19-23). Suffering is a part of life - but it was never supposed to be that way. The sin of our first parents warped and bent everything good, beautiful, and perfect into something other than its original intention. And on days when I feel especially heavy, especially weary, I find myself yelling out prayers like a storm-tossed disciple: ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ (Mark 4:38).
Is Christ’s presence with us in the boat, with us in flesh, with us by His Spirit not the answer for which I am groaning in those moments? I ask questions, God answers with Himself. ‘Put your fingers here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ (Jn 20:27)
My suffering only makes sense when I can see that my Savior has first suffered for me. My suffering only makes sense when I see that it is accomplishing something larger, and longer-lasting than this moment - it is preparation for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cor 4:17). When we suffer with our Savior we will also be glorified with Him (Rom 8:17).
The suffering of Christ is the answer to my own suffering. His suffering is complete, once for all (Heb 10:12-13), and has given access to a life where, ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ Rev 21:4
Jesus, thank you for your withness in our suffering. Thank you for your own suffering which is final and complete. Thank you that we will one day stand face-to-face with the One who bears eternal scars. Amen.
With,
AB