Appreciating What Suffering Teaches – Part 7: Be There for Others (continued…)
The play, A Man for All Seasons, by Robert Bolt, shows how one historical figure got caught in the conflict between this world and the world to come. The main character is Sir Thomas More. The play revolves around More’s refusal to take the Oath of Supremacy in 1534, in which Parliament acknowledged Henry VIII as the only Supreme Head on earth of the Church of England. The oath was especially distasteful to More, a Catholic, because it was in reaction to the Pope’s unwillingness to grant Henry a divorce. The king had wished to be released from his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so that he could take Anne Boleyn for his wife.
In fact, in the final courtroom scene which follows, More is betrayed by a witness who had been a friend, Richard Rich. At the conclusion of his testimony, Rich begins to leave, but Sir Thomas speaks up. “I have a question to ask the witness. That’s a chain of office you are wearing. May I see it? [He looks at the medallion.] The red dragon. What’s this?” The answer given is that Sir Richard has been appointed Attorney-General for Wales. More looks into Rich’s face with pain and some humor. “For Wales? Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world … but for Wales!”
There’s that idea again. Don’t fix your eyes on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
Of course the greatest example of this kind of thinking is our Lord. Peter writes about Him this way:
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow His steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.’”
When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:20-23).
This is exactly what Jesus did: He entrusted Himself to His Father and let Him see to it that the end result was right. When you receive a “beating” you don’t deserve, allow this suffering to teach you to be more Christlike, to identify more closely with what He went through on your behalf, and to appreciate even more the miracle of His love.
Peter gives one final reason to learn to appreciate the lessons of suffering. Remember that his words were written to people being persecuted for their faith. In America we know almost nothing of this.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Did you catch it? “That you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
There’s a lot in this world that isn’t fair, that doesn’t make sense, that ends without a satisfying resolution, that issues the wrong verdict. These all make us anticipate with joy the revealing of Christ’s glory. That’s when all will be made right. Suffering encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on that day. Peter continues:
“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. … So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good”(vv. 14, 19).
I feel as though I’ve barely broached this topic of learning through suffering. But even in this short space I trust I’ve made you aware that you may be holding a precious survival skill in your hands and not know it. Don’t let it slip too quickly through your fingers.
When your path is marked by suffering, which happens often in a rapidly changing world, learn to appreciate the lessons pain can teach you. And as we approach the end times and see even more change, let us look with anticipation to the glorious return of our Lord.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
