By Paul Alberts
Everywhere we look, we see people suffering in some way. Suffering involves undergoing or enduring anything unpleasant; it does not have to be something major. As I type this article I feel a tinge of pain with every “i,” “k” and “,” for I have a paper cut at the tip of that particular finger. Walking through the neighborhood this morning I saw people who were suffering in far more significant ways. How are you suffering today?
The Lord Jesus suffered in many ways as He walked here. Ultimately, we look at what He experienced as He went to the cross and surrendered His life there for you and me. We are reminded of His prayers in the garden as He sweat, as it were, drops of blood. One friend betrayed Him while the others forsook Him and fled. Soldiers beat Him without mercy, then nailed His hands and feet to the cross. At the end of the three dark hours, we hear the Lord’s cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Mt. 27:46 KJV). He cried out again and breathed His last.
Hymn writer G. A. Lucas wrote:
Thy suffering love, Lord Jesus,
Our hearts delight to trace;
The love that sought and claimed us,
In strong yet tender grace.We think of Thy devotion,
Thy blest obedience rare;
Thy holy, deep emotion,
Thy grief that none could share.Thus to our hearts Thou speakest;
Blest Lord, we hear Thy voice;
We know its charm, its sweetness,
And in Thy love rejoice.We wait the consummation
Of love’s own work divine,
And now in adoration
We joy that we are Thine.
Can you honestly say that you belong to Him? God’s offer of salvation through the person who suffered for you, the Lord Jesus Christ, remains open today; accept it while you may!