It’s been a while since I wrote my last post. I’ve been incredibly busy and faced numerous different trials: emotional, spiritual and physical. Through this period, though, God has been ever-present, guiding, loving and caring for my needs. Life is full of seasons. Some are busy, some are relaxing, and some are just downright terrible. It is the idea of suffering that I want to look at.
As we read the Bible, we see numerous instances of suffering. Cain murdered Abel, Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers, and Israel’s oppression at the hands of Egypt. Even Job, who lost his children and all his property. Human life is engrossed in suffering. And hopefully, you could forgive me for suggesting that to live is to endure suffering. From the moment of our conception to the moment we draw our last breath, there is an element of sin that all of us must bear.
During Christ’s ministry, he lived as he spoke. He lived up to the standard that he set. In the 13th chapter of John’s account of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus is nearing the time for his departure from this world. John tells us that Christ “loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1 ESV). Jesus went about to wash the feet of his disciples.
“12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
John 13:12-17 ESV.
Christ set us an example: to love everyone, to serve everyone, and to sacrifice for everyone.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13 ESV.
Christ sacrificed his life so that we may live. He bowed down to the fathers will, bearing a cross of wood and nails in his hands. Despite the agony that he suffered, he sacrificed for our gain; because of the love, he has for us. He lived as he spoke: honouring God with his heart, soul, mind and strength, and in turn, loving us, his neighbours.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of faith, love and service. Because of the love he has for us, and the love he showed on that cross, we have a chance for redemption. We have the opportunity to love God and commune with him now and for eternity. Despite the whirlwind of emotion that is life on this planet, we have hope in God because of his Son.
Praise God for his goodness to us.
Leave a Reply