Suffering
Reading: Psalm 73, verses 1to 6 and 13 to 26
Song: When morning gilds the skies
When Morning Gilds the Skies (Tune: Laudes Domini - 5vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube
Prayers
We pray for God’s family throughout the world; for all who bear responsibility among his people; for all ministers of the word and sacraments; and for all who gather in his name today.
We pray for the peace of the world, especially at this time for the war in Ukraine; for the rulers of the nations; for government in accordance with God’s holy will; and for a just and proper use of the resources of the world.
We pray for the concerns of our congregations, and the neighbourhoods which we serve; for our families, friends and neighbours.
We pray for all in sorrow, need, anxiety, suffering or sickness; for the persecuted, neglected and the lonely; for those in any need or trouble. That they might feel God’s healing hand in their lives.
We praise God for those of every generation in whom Christ has been honoured, and pray that we may be inspired by their examples.
Almighty God, you know our needs before we ask, help us to ask what accords with your will. Where there are things which we need, but cannot or dare not ask for, grant them for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Reading: Micah chapter 7, verses 1 to 7
Song: Through the night of doubt and sorrow
Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow (Ebenezer) - YouTube
Reading: Matthew’s gospel chapter 16, verses 13 to 28
Song: The Lord’s my shepherd
The Lord's my Shepherd - Stuart Townend [with lyrics] - YouTube
Reading 1st letter of Peter chapter 2, verses 19 to 25
Song: I the Lord of sea and sky
Suffering
Subject of suffering is a very large one which has been studied in depth by some, and wondered about by many, over the ages. Many have asked why there is suffering? This is a question to which there is no easy answer. It is surely a question being asked in the world at the moment, by many. There is much suffering, both that which reaches the news, and that which is more hidden. At the moment, the suffering of the people of Ukraine, on both sides, is of great concern to many.
Often, suffering is explained by the presence of evil, of people not living by God’s law? Others blame selfishness; greed; and envy. It is worth remembering that this last, is the commonest member of Paul’s lists of sins, due to its corrosive influence.
But what about natural disasters; disease; poverty? These cause suffering, and yet do not immediately seem to be caused by the presence of evil, not directly at least.
Much could be done to reduce the effects of disease and poverty. Fairness; Justice, both legal and commercial; and improved access to healthcare would play a part. Not having to live in places prone to disasters could also help. In the U.K. we are fortunate min not having significant earthquakes, volcanoes and real extremes of weather.
What is our response to suffering?
The response to this can be divided into two groups. Firstly, the suffering of others. Some would respond with statements like; “It’s their own fault”; “It will be always there”; “What can I do?” If you believe that you are too small to make a difference, you have never shared a sleeping bag with a mosquito!
In John’s gospel, chapter 9, Jesus is confronted with a man born blind. He is asked “Who sinned?” His response is that noone sinned, but that the situation existed so that God’s glory might be shown to the world. Our response to the suffering of others can reveal God’s glory to others.
Secondly, our own suffering. Some ask “What have I done to deserve this”? This is influenced by the old fashioned idea that suffering is a consequence of wrongdoing. That is is God’s punishment. Many years ago, an old lady told me that a serious flood in a neighbouring town was because “The Lord is angry with us.” More recently, some attributed the fire at York Minster as being judgement on something that the Archbishop of the day had said!
Others might respond to suffering by saying that “It is a cross I have to bear” No, it might perhaps be a “Thorn in the flesh”
“Why me”? Well, why shouldn’t it be. Why are we any different from anyone else?
The psalmist (Asaph) certainly wondered why he was worse off than the ungodly. “They have everything!” he said, but,
Yet
I am always with you;
you hold me by my
right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and
afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but
you?
And earth has nothing I desire
besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but
God is the strength of my heart
and
my portion forever.
Those
who are far from you will perish;
you
destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is
good to be near God.
I have made the
Sovereign Lord my
refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
Jesus suffered. He chose the path of suffering. Deliberately and consciously. He knew the way he was choosing, and what the likely consequences were.
He then said that those who wish to follow him must do the same. Take up their cross and follow him. For the apostles, this was a literal calling. Tradition has it that 11 of the twelve were martyred. Fortunately, this is not as likely for us, although people in other places still have this possibility in front of them.
When we talk of “a cross we have to bear” it is about things which we have chosen. It is about sufferings which happen because of our decision to follow Jesus. It is difficult to give specific examples. These circumstances are very personal. Perhaps related to career, or money (or lack of), confrontations, or difficult decisions. But things which arise because of our decision to follow. To walk in the way. This (these) are the cross(es) we bear.
In the early 1960’s, John F Kennedy said (about the space programme) “We choose to do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”. The same is true for those of who follow Christ.
Song: The church’s one foundation
The church's one foundation - YouTube
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