we have a theme today, too. it is one of suffering. David has a heckler. some man is following him around, throwing rocks at him and calling him a murderer. instead of letting his men kill the guy, he tells them to leave him alone. "maybe God will see my suffering and bless me."
then we come to Jesus. He tells Pilate that he would have no authority over Him if it hadn't been given to him. and then He is led away, beaten severely, and crucified.
if the story ended there, it would be a terrible one. it would point to a blackness underneath of the happiness we see in the world. it would mean that when you peel back layers, you find darkness underneath. but this is not true.
yes, there is actual, real suffering in this world. it's not an illusion. it's not a trick. suffering is real, it exists. and, as we see in today's readings, GOOD people suffer. suffering is not just the result of bad decisions (though it's often that, too). suffering is for those who haven't done anything to deserve it.
but suffering isn't the end. the story doesn't end there. we will see what happens three days later in our readings over the next few days. but - SPOILER - this story has a happy ending. the happiest ending in the history of the world, and it's your ending, and mine.
God, thank You for the suffering in my life, which brings me closer to You. and thank You that suffering is not the end of our story.
2 comments:
Amen
Those who suffer in His name will be glorified in heaven.
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