We live in an age that idolises enjoyment and rejects passages like,

“I want to know Christ … and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering.”

Philippians 3:10-11

Yes, Jesus did it for us, but he is the forerunner of our faith.

But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief … When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. … I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier.

Isaiah 53:10-12

Jesus’ suffering was far above ours and for a far higher purpose. As the forerunner of our faith, he takes us down similar paths and with heavenly honours.

Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that … his life was cut short in midstream … He had … never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal.

Isaiah 53:8-9

Just as Jesus’ suffering appeared a pointless travesty, so our suffering can appear meaningless. The meaning is found only in Jesus and only understood in heaven.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word.

Isaiah 53:7

The knowledge that our Lord will use this meaningless suffering that we share with him frees us from needing to complain about it. And so,

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that [we] may become blameless and pure children of God.

Philippians 2:14-15

I have a lot to learn!

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Photo by Max Muselmann on Unsplash