The Suffering Of AfflictionPrøve

Jesus Christ

In this final look at suffering, we see the Person of Jesus, the supreme example of suffering. The prophet Isaiah speaks of Christ's suffering describing Him as a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. Listen to the words Isaiah uses: stricken, afflicted, wounded, bruised, chastised, grieved, and an offering. This last word gives us the reason for His suffering… to be a sacrifice… for you and me. He was an offering for our sin when He went to the cross. His sacrifice on our behalf is what led to our salvation. In fact, it is because He suffered that He can draw near to those who experience suffering.

C.S. Lewis once asked, “Why are so many holy places dark places? The cross, the tomb, the stable – they are holy because even in the dark of night God is at work, breaking through the husk around our hearts and bringing life from under dead leaves.” The stable is where the love of God for His creation was born; the cross is where the love of God for His creation was displayed; and the tomb was where the love of God for His creation exploded in hope. God is able to turn all suffering to good and glorious ends – out of the worst, Christ brings the best.

Christ on the cross is the vision of suffering – the undying love of a dying Savior who loves us without limits: His body broken and His blood shed for you and me, so that we might have abundant, eternal life in Him. The Scriptures tell us that Christ draws near to the brokenhearted. In fact, the Savior draws nearest to us in our suffering and in our suffering, we draw nearest to Him. Where has suffering broken you? Are you brokenhearted? Are you experiencing affliction? Then listen to the sounds of the cross and draw near to Him Who not only knows your suffering but Who suffered for you.

For more Strong at the Broken Places resources – podcasts and free downloadable Study Guide – visit gsot.edu/strong. The Grace Center for Spiritual Development at Grace School of Theology provides non-degree studies, live online bible study opportunities, and resources like this devotional.