Suffering

 

A pastor once said to me, “No one knows suffering like I do.” He said this as a joke. He was not suffering. He lived a good life. He was in good health. He ate delicious food. He travelled and went to shows. He also knew what he said is Scripture. In Lamentations, we read, “Look around and see if there is any suffering like mine” (1:12).

I tell you about this pastor because in our epistle today (Colossians 1:21-29), Paul wrote, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” How was Paul suffering?

First of all, when Paul wrote to the Colossians, he was in jail. He was arrested and awaiting trial. He was going to Rome for trial and judgment because he proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord.

You may know people who suffer. Perhaps you have a grandparent who suffers from some sickness, disease or disability. Maybe you have an older neighbor or aunt who is confined to her home or nursing home because she is has no one to take care of her. If you do, it’s good to visit them. Older people love seeing young people.

Paul does not complain about his suffering. He rejoiced in them because he was sharing in Jesus’ sufferings for the church. He suffered for you and me as he told people about God.

You know what suffering Christians need? They need to be reminded that they are sharing in Jesus’ suffering in order to make the Gospel known to all people. They already know that, but you need to remind them of that, and remember it yourself.

With that, let us pray. Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named: Bless these and all children, and give their parents the spirit of wisdom and love, so that the homes in which they grow up may be to them an image of Your Kingdom, and the care of their parents a likeness of Your love. We pray in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.