Suffering for Service.
One of the prerequisites of living in this broken world is suffering.
"Man born of a woman days are short and full of trouble." (Job 14:1)
Last week while watching the video of a US Navy seal, called the toughest man on earth, muscles and mind to the limits by enduring the brutal boot-camp training, was an eye opener for me, as he punished his flesh beyond the norm.
This soldier was able to do so because of his childhood experiences, which prepared him mentally and physically. He told the story of his childhood life filled with suffering and abuse.
l am reminded that suffering is a product of the fall, a consequence of human sin against God.
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned (Romans 5:12).
Suffering is in our lives because we are living in a broken world. Some sufferings are due to our own wrong choices, but some are due simply to the world being fallen.
"For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being"(1 Corinthians 15:21).
Symbolically the communion bread was broken before served, so too was Jesus's body broken before the world.
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our
iniquities; The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus was then served to the father for our redemption. He too went through suffering, however, not because of sin, but to redeem us from our sins!
The crucifixion was a brutal punishment and suffering but the end was our glorious salvation.
Whatever God uses for service he first breaks. God often prepares us for service through difficult tasks. Through some form of suffering/trial we learn how to ‘punish’ our bodies from sins norms and to ‘conform’ our bodies and minds to the will of God.
Heavenly Father, 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).
Christianity doesn't give us a free pass from suffering. God tells us in his Word that, "A servant is not greater than his master, If they persecuted me, they will persecute you..." (John 15:20).
Dear Father, I pray that as you strengthen us for service through trial, suffering and emotional pain, that we look at the coming glory and not the temporary suffering.
In Jesus name. Amen.
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