Sorrows in 2008
Posted by Steve on January 4, 2008
When doing New Year’s evaluating and planning, you would expect me to think on the sorrows of 2007, the outgoing year, while resolving for better things for 2008. But if we don’t think there will be sorrows n 2008, we need a reality check. Sorrow is part of the faith journey, and the lot of our human experience. So we must plan how we are going to deal with our sorrows before they are on us. How will we relate our troubles to Jesus, the Man of Sorrows.
In this world we are promised trouble, but be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world. Did he say that he’s overcome the trouble???
McGee’s commentary of Col. 1:24 speaks of ways in which Christ endured sufferings, some of which we share, while other sufferings (as God’s unique Son) we cannot share. In other words, we are not made to not suffer or sorrow.
The commentary includes this poignant line: “There is one thing for certain: If the gospel is to go forward today, someone must suffer.”
That’s a good word for beginning 2008 with the idea that my journey will include sorrowful situations. The question is whether I will deal with them or not with Christ’s sufferings at the center.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Pet. 4.12-13)
Used with Artist's permission...333 « The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus
