Knowing Jesus involves entering into His sufferings. He has called all who know Him to take up their cross and die to themselves. Are we up for that? Our readings are from the book, To Know Him. Here is a brief excerpt from pages 15 and 16:
Ah, but there is
the suffering – oh, not of course like His,
but that which He has specially left for you,
and which, because you know Him, you bend to
accept. The slights. The snide remarks. Long hours
invested serving others who your powers
of patience try. The criticism of
your work. The absence of some soul to love
or comfort you when most you need it. All
your dumb decisions, every stupid call
or biting word you still regret. Such things
as these you look upon as sufferings,
while others, for His sake, endure what we
do not – the greater pains, the misery
of persecution, loss, oppression, wrath
and violence. Some, it’s true, must walk this path
for Jesus’ sake, but even that which we
endure because of Him is frequently
more than we’d choose, and we regard each test
as difficult as any of the rest –
until we see Him hanging there, with you
and me nearby, and taunting Him to do
some miracle to save Himself. But He
endures the shame for wretches such as me
and you, and this remembering, you embrace
your momentary trial, and in His face
discover the humility and strength
to persevere and go to any length
He may require.
For reflection or discussion
1. What do you think entering into the sufferings of Jesus might mean for you? How should you prepare for these?
2. How can believers help one another to continue to know Jesus and become more like Him even in the midst of suffering?
Paul wrote that we must through many afflictions enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus suffered, and so will we as those who hate Him begin to see Him in us. But as that happens, rejoice: It’s clear evidence that you truly know the Lord. Order your copy of To Know Him from The Ailbe Bookstore. Share today’s podcast with a friend and get together to encourage one another in this lifelong quest to know our Lord Jesus Christ
