DEVOTIONAL
We live in a day that has been tainted and ravaged by sin, and there is suffering all around us because of man’s rebellion. The Bible explains this to us very clearly in the book of Genesis, on the day of the great deception when the serpent deceived Eve and Adam followed suit. That day man revolted against the word of the infinite Creator. Upon his disobedience he ushered in death and violence for the entire world. It was a time of chaos and great commotion; A time when nature itself turned against all humanity. Man would now have to contend for his life, for within his own body he would suffer sickness, plagues, and all kinds of diseases. Along with his flesh His mind also became corrupted; what was sinful (according to the character of God) became good, and what was evil became accepted practices.
Time has not changed, today we are reaping the same consequences from the sins of our ancestors and from the sins of our present day. What a tragic state humanity has fallen into, even the anxious longing of creation eagerly waits for the redemption of man, in hope, they too will be set free from their slavery to corruption. There are many who want to point their finger at the Lord, cursing and blaspheming His name, but man, independently, is responsible for the fall of all creation and is worthy of divine punishment.
It is not for me to defend my King upon the subject of suffering, for He Himself took upon flesh and entered into this world. He was tried and tempted as we are in every way, yet without sin. He would suffer under the hands of evil men who sought to kill Him. The taskmaster beat Him as the lash tore into the flesh ripping Him apart. Upon the head of this Great King rested a crown of thorns for sheer mockery. The hands and feet of the One who holds the universe together were replaced with nails as the executioner penned Him to the cross. Jesus Christ hung between heaven and earth covered in blood that day, with sweat and tears upon His brow. Moved with the greatest of all passion, while gasping for air He cried, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?” The world rejected Him that day, just as the world rejects Him today.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, The Lord Jesus is alive forever more. Though they crucified Him, the grave could not hold Him. He was raised out of the grave on the third day and all power has been given to him. More than that, The Lord Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to govern our lives and give us strength for the sufferings of this world. It is through the response of our sufferings the world will know that we belong to him. The stars truly shine when darkness descends, so the children of God shine in the greatest of all suffering.