Category: suffering and sickness

Messiah’s Joy Amidst Calvary’s Grief #2

Saturday, March 30, 2024

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

Do you ever wonder what our Lord Jesus Christ was thinking about while He hung there on Calvary’s cross?

Jesus knew Bible prophecy had to be fulfilled: He had to suffer in accordance with the Old Testament prophets. Even when He spoke seven times from the cross, He quoted various Old Testament verses. The Old Testament prophets also gave Him comfort: “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (today’s Scripture).

For instance, He remembered that Jonah’s prophecy had to be fulfilled: “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). On the third day, He would live again, and be reunited with His heavenly Father!

He knew that His Father would resurrect Him. His spiritual torment and physical death were only temporarily, as David quoted Jesus 1000 B.C., “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10; cf. Acts 2:24-31).

Our Lord thought of reigning over that glorious kingdom that His Heavenly Father would give Him after His resurrection. As the psalmist wrote centuries before Calvary’s crosswork, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession” (Psalm 2:6-8). “Begotten” refers to Jesus’ resurrection, not His nativity in Bethlehem (Acts 13:33,34).

Jesus Christ, during His torturous crucifixion, thought about and rejoiced in the promises in the Scriptures that applied to Him. Likewise, we, during difficult circumstances, can remember and joy in God’s promises to us—Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon.

We too can share Messiah’s joy amidst grief! 🙂

See our archived Q&A: “Did the disciples go to the wrong tomb on Resurrection Sunday?”

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 23, 2023

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

*Excerpted from our Thanksgiving 2012 Bible study with the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see, “What are our spiritual blessings in Christ?”

When This Life Is Over

Saturday, October 21, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Indeed, earthly life can change—and end—in an instant’s notice.

Not long ago, a man (the coworker of one of my family members) was returning home from his job via a taxi. The man got into an argument with his driver, demanded the driver stop the vehicle, and the man quickly exited. As he was walking across a roadway, a drunk driver struck him and killed him! That was the end of that man’s earthly life, and he definitely never imagined those would be his final moments. His poor family and friends are still in shock. Not yet age 50, he left behind a wife and two children.

Dear friends, life abounds with uncertainties and tragedies because sin greatly complicates it. What we need to do is come to the Holy Scriptures now, before we wind up in those difficult circumstances and situations without any spiritual resources or insight. There are far too many people dying without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. They simply are not prepared to leave this life. Unfortunately, where death finds them, eternity keeps them.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul was well aware of the fact he was soon to depart this world and he was ready because his soul was secure in Christ. He knew he had believed in his heart how Christ died for his sins, He was buried, and He rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Furthermore, Paul was at peace, though knew he would die as a martyr: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Dear reader, when this life is over, may you be in Christ.

Living With Others in Mind #8

Monday, July 3, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

It was by the Lord’s design that Paul stayed on planet Earth as long as he did, for Paul’s earthly sojourn would not conclude until he had written his last epistle, preached his last sermon, and visited his last city. Paul would be a living, breathing example of Christ’s grace life manifested in human flesh… for the advantage of the Philippians and other saints. Therefore, Paul resolved to seek their wellbeing instead of his own. Essentially, it would be summed up as: “Yes, to be with Christ is far better with myself in mind, but it is more needful to stay here with you in mind.”

How sad it is that, despite the Bible’s clear explanation, ignorance flourishes! Christians will ask, “Why has the Lord not yet come? Why are we still here? What is God’s will for me?” While we want to be gentle, we must be frank too: these are truly dumb questions. If we are still in doubt about such basic matters, it is a testament that our pastors, teachers, and churches have failed us miserably. We really have no idea what the Christian life is all about. It is just as unknown to us as if we had no Bible at all.

Dear friend in Christ, if you have not already been in the predicament of today’s Scripture, you will surely be in it one day. You need to have that right answer before you face the question and wonder how to handle it. Read Philippians 1:21-26. Instead of having a pity party for ourselves, whining, “I want to go on to Heaven and leave this wretched place!,” we can remember, “But God wants me here to manifest Christ’s life here, to reach others for His glory here, so any attendant afflictions are light and momentary in the grand scheme of things.” (See 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.) It really is that simple, and we do not need to complicate it with endless speculations and worthless denominations. Mature grace living is living with others in mind! 🙂

Living With Others in Mind #7

Sunday, July 2, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24). Such an admonition was particularly useful in Corinth, where spiritual childishness and selfishness were running ever so rampant. Instead of “What can I get out of the Christian life to profit and please myself?,” the mature saint inquires, “How can Christ’s life in and through me benefit others?”

When addressing the believers in Philippi, Paul offered the same spiritual counsel: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4). He then mentioned the Lord Jesus Christ’s example of self-sacrifice in verses 5-8, which you should re-read. If someone were to object, “But Brother Paul, Jesus Christ was the perfect God-Man who had no sin problem whereas we still struggle with sinful flesh, so for us to ‘put others before self’ is easier said than done!” The Holy Spirit through Paul had anticipated and already countered that complaint in the opening chapter of Philippi.

The two verses subsequent to today’s Scripture are as follows: “[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; [26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.” Putting others ahead of self is exactly what Paul himself decided to do—and did—with the Philippians! When faced with the choice of going to be with the Lord in Heaven and escaping his dire circumstances on Earth, or staying and ministering to the Philippians (whom he had hoped to see in-person once released from Rome); the preference of sinful flesh gave way to the renewed mind! “I shall abide and continue with you all for your [!] furtherance [!] and [!] joy [!] of [!] faith [!].” Paul sought their spiritual profit, their spiritual wellbeing, for like their Lord, he also was living with others in mind….

Living With Others in Mind #6

Saturday, July 1, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Re-read today’s Scripture in context: “[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation [from hopelessness, discouragement] through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Instead of traveling abroad and preaching the Gospel of Grace in foreign lands, Paul was now under house arrest, possibly facing death. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot [apply wisdom/wits] not” (verses 21,22). To continue in his physical body was to remain restricted in Rome. Now, today’s Scripture: “For I am in a strait betwixt two [compressed, in a quandary or dilemma], having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better….” Paul knew being with Christ in Heaven was infinitesimally more enjoyable than a Roman confinement. This was self-centeredness because he wanted to escape his earthly problems. Still, he recognized the better option was self-sacrifice, for, “…Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” Paul’s stay on Earth would be more profitable for these saints. Let us see what he ultimately chose….

Living With Others in Mind #5

Friday, June 30, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Before the Acts period ends, Paul finally reaches Rome (Acts 28:16). Having intended to visit this ancient world capital as a free man (see Acts 19:21), now he is a prisoner appealing to the Roman Emperor for help (a Roman citizen’s right). In the concluding verses of Acts, Luke narrates: “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30,31).

During that two-year period of house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote four Books—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Note their “bonds” or chains references (Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 1:7,13,14,16; Colossians 4:3,18; Philemon 10,13), the shackles of Acts 28:16-20. Here is the context of today’s Scripture. The Apostle of the Gentiles, confined in Rome, is writing to the saints of Philippi, souls he won to Christ back in Acts chapter 16 roughly a decade prior. Doubtless, he would have visited them in person if he were able, but he was literally detained while awaited his meeting with the Emperor in Rome. This inconvenience restricted the work of the ministry, for he could not travel at will as in years prior.

Read the verses just before today’s Scripture: “[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The operative word here is “Christ… Christ… Christ.” Paul knew what the Christian life entailed, and therefore sought the Lord’s glory regardless of his circumstances….

Living With Others in Mind #4

Thursday, June 29, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Dear friend, as you have already surely noticed, this is a lost, cursed, broken, dark, dying world. It is not perfect and it is not fair (and, also, thankfully, it is not forever!). Due to sin, the Bible titles it “this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4). While it may be hard to believe, it is true: our world could be even worse than it already is. How? Remove the Christians in whom the Word of God dwells, or just take away the Word of God. The Holy Spirit has no more vessels to utilize to slow down Satan’s policy of evil. So, maybe we should be thankful God has bothered to use us undeserving sinners for His trophies of grace at all?!

The Apostle Paul was no super-human. He had his weaknesses, limitations, fears, and doubts like the rest of us. Try doing what he did for 30 years in ministry and see if you could handle just a few days before quitting entirely! “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes [lashings] above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods [caned], once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep [stranded at sea]; In journeyings often, in perils [!] of waters, in perils [!] of robbers, in perils [!] by mine own countrymen, in perils [!] by the heathen, in perils [!] in the city, in perils [!] in the wilderness, in perils [!] in the sea, in perils [!] among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Now, reflect on his terrible predicament in today’s Scripture, and the two available options come into full view….

Living With Others in Mind #3

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

The Lord Jesus Christ did not have to leave Heaven and come to Earth. He could have decided to remain with Father God, avoid Calvary’s cruel cross and its attendant sufferings entirely, and let us all go to Hell forever dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, someone objects, “Oh, but that is not how events turned out, for Christ came to do His Father’s will!” We reply, “Precisely, according to Philippians 2:3-8, Jesus Christ did come and die in obedience to His Heavenly Father, and if God is our Father, is it not only reasonable for us to remember how we are on Earth to fulfill His will rather than our own?” See, again, the Christian life is Christ’s life. It is His mindset carried out in actions. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (verse 5).

Stating it more bluntly, Jesus Christ thought of others: He had Father God foremost in His thinking. As He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane during those tense moments just before His arrest, the Scriptures inform us how He “began to be sore amazed [Greek translated ‘affrighted’ in Mark 16:5,6], and to be very heavy [distressed]” and that He stated His “soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death” (Mark 14:33,34). He was beginning to realize just how much rougher life would soon become for Him, and how He would die via the worst form of torture. However, instead of backing out, He proceeded (as we know full well) with the literal sacrifice of Himself!

“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt…. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matthew 26:39,42). There, dear friends, is adult Christian thinking….

Living With Others in Mind #2

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

When anger is coupled with self-pity, depression is the only outcome. Feeling sorry for self is, frankly and literally, selfish. “I have it so rough and I do not want to be here anymore!” This is immature. We need to shut our mouths and do some Bible study and adult spiritual thinking before we say anything else.

Firstly, if we are willing to look hard enough, we can find someone far worse off than we are. Our troubles do not compare to their difficulties. In fact, we can be quite sure they would love to trade places with us in the snap of a finger, the blink of an eye, the beat of a heart. Having undergone the exchange, we would wish we still had our so-called “problems!”

Secondly, we absolutely (!) must (!) understand the Christian life is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself—not futile attempts to mimic His life (works-religion!), but His very life. It is the Christian life… the Christian life… the CHRISTian life!

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:3-8).

Until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take us out of this present evil world, Earth is right where He wants us to be. Therefore, perhaps we should assume God knows more than we do, and has a purpose for us here before we get to Heaven….