Hebrews 5:8-9 Son though
he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made
perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
(NIV)
Most of the lessons that
we learn about life usually come through some sort of trouble or suffering.
Pain and pressure, heartache and hard knocks have ways to strengthen us after
we endure them. We may not have chosen that way for ourselves, but what we gain
through suffering is patience, endurance, and character.
According to today’s
verses, Jesus also experienced this. As a human being, He was subjected to all
sorts of pain, humiliation, conflict, and even shame. But in the end, He
endured because He kept on the path that God had laid out before Him. His
suffering led to perfection because of His obedience; that perfection has won
for us forgiveness and absolution, salvation and everlasting life.
Application: Consider
your present circumstances and how some negative experiences have actually made
you into a better person. Would you have learned those important lessons in any
other way?
Prayer: Lord God, be
with us when we go through times of trouble, suffering, and pain. Grant us the
strength to endure and teach us real lessons about life, faith, and love. In
Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,
Tennessee. Come and join us for worship each Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be
made very welcome 😊
Today’s image is one of
John’s drawings called Take Up Your Cross. If you would like to view a larger
version, please click this link: Cross.
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