It’s not surprising that people don’t like pain and suffering. It is unpleasant and to be avoided.
So it’s no surprise that when faced with the option of suffering or comfort, we choose comfort; we choose that which is easy; we choose that which benefits.
Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 10:38
And some of the time that’s well and good.
But when it’s done to avoid doing the right thing, whether it is difficult or not, there’s a problem. Or when comfort is sought out instead of suffering for God, that’s a big problem.
We are called to Christ and to endure all – even death itself – rather than fall away from Him or serving Him. That is our call. That follows the pattern of Jesus Himself, who endured the cross, scorning its shame even to the point of death, in obedience to His Father and for our redemption.
There are even some Christians that take this to such an extreme as to not only deny that there should ever be suffering for a Christian, but to put off even the thought that this could, should or will happen.
“Get behind me, Satan!”
Jesus says very clearly in our text today that if we are choosing others or things or comfort or peace or anything above Him, we are not worthy of Him. If we do not take up our cross and follow Jesus, we are not worthy of Jesus. Our life is nothing without Him. Our life is forfeit without Him, because without Him, we would still be in death.
Suffering is a part of being a Christian. We don’t get to choose how that suffering looks or what it will entail, but we must always be ready to endure it to the very end; whatever it is;. for however long; in obedience and humility; in love; in response; to bring Jesus glory and to bring others to faith in Him. For that, let us endure anything and everything; any cross at anytime.
Jesus endured everything for us to save us. Including, literally, taking up His cross, bearing it for us. How can we not also and humbly – with amazing gratitude – respond in kind knowing that whatever cross it is that we are to bear, whatever sacrifice it is that we are to make, whatever suffering it is that we are to endure; it will end and we will find an eternal life in Jesus free from all of it.
Hallelujah and thank you Lord!
“Gracious Lord Jesus, Thank You for suffering all, even death on a cross, bearing it for our forgiveness; for our salvation; for our life. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to bear whatever cross, whatever sacrifice, whatever hardship, to bring You glory and others to faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Scripture
- Matthew 10:34-39
- Psalm 119:153-160 (Responsory)
