2020 Daily Devotion - Day 35

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In theology, there are a couple of ways to look at suffering and struggle. They go by the names the Theology of Glory or Triumphalism and the Theology of the Cross.

The Theology of the Glory/Triumphalism states that if you are truly a believer in Jesus Christ, you will not suffer, but instead, you will prosper most of the time. The Theology of Glory goes on to proclaim that if you are suffering, it is most likely a sign you are not truly walking with Christ as deeply as you should or could. There are many pastors who preach a Theology of Glory. I happen to not agree or believe it is a biblical understanding.

On the other hand, the Theology of the Cross says that if Jesus suffered, you and I will probably suffer as well. Suffering is not a sign of a lack of faith, but actually might be understood as an indicator of strong faith which is being attacked by the evil one. After all, Jesus said, “The servant is not greater than his master.” (John 15:18-22) In other words, if He suffered, chances are you and I will as well.

But, here is the Good News in the midst of the Theology of the Cross. While we might suffer as followers of Jesus, we will not be destroyed. We will probably have setbacks and heart-breaking moments, but we will not be destroyed. You will never be abandoned or forgotten. In fact, somewhere and at some point, there will be a Resurrection for you in Jesus’ name. This is what the Apostle Paul is stating in his second letter to the Corinthians. He begins by talking about “have this treasure in earthen vessels…” which means that the treasure is the Gospel living within us, human beings, who are like earthen vessels and can easily break.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 RSV
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we know there will be suffering in life. We know there will be painful moments. The “servant is not greater than the master”, and if these things happened to Jesus, they will also happen to us. We might be afflicted, but never crushed. We might be struck down, but we will not be destroyed. This is Your promise through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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