Title: Meaningful Suffering/John 9:1-3
Content Meaningful suffering/John 9:1-3
An iron man once said, "All human problems arise because we cannot have what we want and we cannot throw away what we do not want." Because we are imperfect humans and we live in an imperfect world, no one can escape suffering. If we say this biblically, we humans have no day to worry, worry, pain, and anxiety because we are beings who have disobeyed God and are expelled from the Garden of Eden. Therefore, how to understand and accept this unavoidable suffering is the most important task in life.
Today's text is the Bible's lesson on human suffering. Regarding the birth-blind man, Jesus said, "It was not because of the sins of this man or his parents, but that the works of God might be revealed in him."
In other words, he taught us that hardship is a crisis that can destroy us, but also an opportunity for us to live a great life. The Christian faith is a faith that actively understands suffering. And it teaches that amazing blessings can come through suffering through the power of God. The Christian faith does not teach us to avoid suffering. Rather, it is said that the most valuable life is achieved through suffering. If Jesus had wanted it, he could have avoided the sufferings of the cross. However, Jesus chose the suffering of the cross for the salvation of mankind.
Therefore, we must first meditate deeply on the sufferings of Jesus. When we meditate deeply on the sufferings of Jesus, we receive the comfort, thanksgiving, and courage that the Holy Spirit gives us. Considering the sufferings of Jesus on the cross, what is so great about our sufferings? Martin Luther said, “Our sufferings are shameful to even call them sufferings. When I compare my cross, my tribulations, and my trials with the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am so ashamed.”
Second, we must find the meaning of life through suffering. Those who find the meaning of living in spite of hardships will gain the ability to endure and overcome whatever hardships they face.
Third, we must become partakers of the sufferings of Jesus Christ. To follow Jesus means to participate in the sufferings of Jesus on the cross. Jesus told us to choose suffering. There can be no salvation without the cross. No great work can be accomplished without sacrifice. Christians are people who find the meaning of suffering while meditating on the suffering of the Lord and live with new hope and courage by participating in the cross of the Lord.