March 7, 2010 Grief in the Garden of Life: Part I
My title today is Grief in the Garden of Life, and by grief I mean suffering, and by suffering I mean that which the apostles did not hesitate to tell us about. I mean that which the apostles themselves were personally familiar with and had experienced in many forms. I mean that which will be the earthly experience of anyone who seeks to follow Jesus the Messiah. It is the sort of suffering that is distinct to the church because it is suffering for the sake of righteousness.
The Scriptures make it abundantly clear - the life of the Messiah’s followers will not be a smooth ride. For, the life of Jesus as he carried through his earthly ministry was a life that freely entered into that distinctive suffering which is “Suffering for the sake of righteousness.” As the apostle Peter teaches us in his first epistle (2.21-23):
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”
This is your calling, Peter is saying, to live a blameless life in the midst of provocation and trial knowing that all things will be judged by God who sees all things and will bring all things to light in the day of judgement. And this statement coming from the pen of Peter is all the more exceptional. It was this same apostle who would not hear of Jesus’ talk of suffering, indeed, who denied Christ on three occasions in order to avoid suffering.
Peter had fallen prey to the influence of Satan, and Jesus said that there will be many who will fall prey to his influence and will in life desire the smooth ride. For those who like the smooth ride Jesus has declared to you that there IS one available. It is the broad way and you enter through a wide gate and because the way is broad and the gate is wide MANY people find it and walk it. But that way does not lead to life – Jesus will not be there at the end. That way leads to destruction.
So the smooth ride ends in disaster, it ENDS in grief, it ENDS in suffering, and that suffering will last for eternity. What does that tell us? It tells us that suffering is unavoidable. If you follow Christ there be suffering in life for the sake of righteousness, but if you turn from Christ you will certainly suffer in the eternity that awaits you on the other side of the grave. That is the choice.
But believe that there is more also to be said than this….
TBC
[Delivered on Valentine's Day/Transfiguration Sunday 2010]
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- Posted under Sermonics
