DEATH, RESURRECTION
AND SUFFERING
Death, Resurrection and Suffering
Everyone suffers, suffering is inescapable. It is part of the human condition. As Christians our suffering has meaning, a global meaning of solidarity.
By virtue of the fact that we participate in the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3, Galatians 2:20) we also participate in the fruit of that death and resurrection, the redemption of humanity. Our suffering, united to that of Christ, contributes to the salvation of mankind. Who is it that says that suffering has no meaning? For the Christian it certainly does, it binds us not only to Christ but also, through him to the whole of humanity and, in particular, to the body of Christ, the church.
in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church (Colossians 1:24).
The joy and glory of the risen Christ is our joy and glory as we travel along the path of life in Christ and there is no incompatibility between joy and suffering.
It was the vision of joy, the assurance of the presence of the Father with him as he traversed these moments of radical self-denial that enabled him to embrace the cross.
let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1, 2)
Joy is not incompatible with suffering, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake" (Colossians 1:24). So it is also with us as we travel along the path trodden by our faithful companion who dwells within to sustain us on our journey, through this valley of tears.
When we experience moments of darkness and brokenness in our lives, our broken selves, our broken relationships, the betrayals, the burdens of others that we experience as out own, they are all important moments of growth, not to be avoided but to be embraced as necessary milestones on the way to our glory which is ours in Christ.
We need to embrace these moments and not rebel against them in despair, but see them in the context of the joy of the indwelling Christ that lies not only ahead but also within us, just as Christ did. When speaking of his passion Jesus spoke of joy and peace
You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy (John 16:20)
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you (v. 22)
I am not alone, for the Father is with me(v. 32)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace (v. 33)
With the indwelling risen Christ we have that peace and that joy that no thing, person or circumstances can take away from us, the Father is with us, we are not alone.
We shall not allow ourselves to be oppressed by our anxiety, guilt, shame, loneliness, brokenness, betrayals, abuse, that will only paralyse us. Let us open ourselves to that glory that inhabits our spirit. Jesus is there knocking at the door, ready to be with you. We cannot run away from our brokenness but we can place it in the hands of the indwelling Christ and let his glory envelop us.
Our brokenness becomes, with Christ, the way to our glory
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? (Luke 24:26)
So it is with our suffering, our brokenness which is inevitable in this world, rejoice and see that it is the path that Christ chose, it is our path, it is the necessary path for everyone. However, for the believer it is the path towards glory, for the non-believer often the path to despair.
The risen Lord is knocking on the door to share his glory with you, to draw you to himself and lift you out of despair and into the vision of joy that will render your suffering bearable, embraceable even.
On the spiritual journey of the Christian death has been conquered and has lost its sting, it has lost its power, the glory of the risen Lord has overcome the power of death. Suffering, trials, inevitable for all in this valley of tears, for the Christian become the path to hope and glory as he awaits the time when there will be no tears
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
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Next: Discipleship Part 1 - Meet and Follow Jesus
Back to part 1 The Resurrection of Jesus
Introduction to the Christian Faith - Index
© R W
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