How we respond to suffering in our lives tells us a lot about ourselves... and a lot about what we believe about life and God. When the reality of pain, loss, grief, trials and difficulties invade our bubble of false security our response, reveals what rules our hearts.
In Luke chapter 23 and verse 33 we see this reality played out in two eye witnesses to Jesus being crucified on the cross. I will quote directly from the scripture and then comment, "And when they came to the place called the skull there they crucified him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Here we have some really amazing hope for our lives.... Jesus response to our selfishness and even the gross insult of having his clothes gambled for is to FORGIVE. Faith sees past the pain and trusts God for the future. Jesus mind wasn't paralyzed by pain...it was looking for the ultimate gain that would be reaped by remaining faithful through the trial.
The scene shifts and we see two contrasting responses from the criminals who were being sentenced to death at the same time as Jesus. Their words and attitudes reveal two directions in which our minds can go when we to face adversity. From verse 39 we see the first negative response, "And one of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at him saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
When bad things happen we are quick to judge, analyze and make conclusions based on what we believe is right or wrong. The problem is we are not God and our judgment is clouded by false perceptions, limited knowledge and selfish attitudes. We are often wrong. Humility is an attitude that tells ourselves quickly and often, " I could be wrong, so I choose to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger."
Humilities chief reward is that instead of being stuck with our own false conclusions, we become quiet enough to hear God's response to our trials and suffering. Jesus response to the humble but guilty criminal on the cross cries out as an example of our own need for humility and prayer in times of duress and pain. The humble criminals last words reveal an astounding self awareness of his deepest need, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!"
Jesus response reveals the depths and richness of God's grace, " Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.
How are you responding to suffering and difficulty in your life? Are you standing in judgment against God and railing against what is happening? Or are you pausing long enough to let God respond to your deepest needs of forgiveness, hope and restoration? Which will it be..... pride or humility? The choice you make in your hour of suffering are decisions of destiny you dare not get wrong. Choose wisely.
Jim
No comments:
Post a Comment