With Jesus in joy and sorrow

225 with Jesus in joy and sorrow

Do you agree that the media has hit a new low for offensiveness? Reality TV shows, comedy series, news programs (web, TV and radio), social media and political debates - they all seem to be getting more and more obnoxious. Then there are the unscrupulous preachers who preach the prosperity gospel with its false promises of health and wealth. When I asked one of the followers of this false message in a conversation, why the "say-it-and-you-get-it-prayers" of this movement did not end the many crises in this world (IS, Ebola, economic crises, etc.). I only got the answer that I would annoy them with this question. It's true that I can be a bit annoying sometimes, but the question was meant seriously.

The good news is Jesus, not prosperity

One time I get really annoyed is when I'm sick (at least that's what my wife, Tammy, claims). Fortunately (for both of us) I'm not sick often. Without a doubt, one reason for this is that Tammy is praying for my health. Prayer has a positive effect, but the Gospel of Prosperity falsely promises that if faith is strong enough, one will never get sick. It also claims that if one is sick (or has something) it is because one does not believe enough. Such reflections and teaching are a perversion of the faith and true gospel of Jesus Christ. A friend told me about a tragedy that happened when he was very young. He lost two sisters in a car accident. Just imagine how his father must have felt when a proponent of this false doctrine told him that his two girls died because he did not believe enough! Such vicious and wrong thinking ignores the reality of Jesus Christ and his grace. Jesus is the gospel - he is the truth that makes us free. In contrast, the prosperity gospel has a business relationship with God and claims that our behavior affects the degree to which God blesses us. It also promotes the lie that the goal of earthly life is to avoid suffering and that God's goal is to maximize our pleasure.

With Jesus in pain

Throughout the New Testament, God calls His people to share joy and sorrow with Jesus. The suffering we are talking about here is not the suffering that comes from stupid mistakes or wrong decisions, or because we have become victims of circumstances or lack of faith. The suffering that Jesus experienced and that we should endure in this fallen world is a matter of the heart. Yes, Jesus also suffered physically, as the Gospels testify, but the suffering he endured voluntarily was the result of his compassionate love for the people. The Bible bears witness to this in many places:

  • “But when he saw the crowd, he was moved inwardly over them, because they were weary and weary like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9,36 Eberfeld Bible)
  • “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often have I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings; and you did not want it!” (Matthew 23,37)
  • “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden; I want to refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and humble of heart; so you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11,28-30)
  • "And as he drew near, he saw the city and wept for it, saying, 'If only you also knew at that time what makes for peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19,41-42)
  • “And the eyes of Jesus overflowed” (John 11,35)

Sharing this compassionate love of Jesus for people often leads to pain and suffering, and that suffering can be very deep at times. Avoiding such suffering is avoiding loving other people with the love of Christ. Such a goal would turn us into self-centered pleasure seekers and that is exactly what secular society supports: Pamper yourself - you deserve it! The Gospel of Prosperity adds to this bad idea what is mistakenly called faith, which is intended to induce God to grant our hedonistic desires. This tragic, false doctrine that we can avoid suffering by strictly rebuking it in Jesus' name contradicts what the writer of Hebrews wrote about the heroes of the faith (Hebrews 11,37-38): These men and women “were stoned, sawn in two, put to death by the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; they endured want, affliction, ill-treatment.” It is not written in Hebrews that they lacked faith, but that they were people of deep faith—people who did not value the world. Despite suffering great suffering, they remained faithful, devoted witnesses of God and His faithfulness in word and deed.

Following in the footsteps of Jesus

 Jesus, the night before his greatest suffering (which was prolonged by torture and subsequent crucifixion) said to his disciples: "I gave you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13,15). Taking Jesus at his word, one of his disciples, Peter, later wrote this: "For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you and left you an example, that you should follow in his footsteps" (1. Petrus 2,21). What does it actually mean to follow in Jesus' footsteps? We have to be careful here, because on the one hand Peter's admonition is often too narrow and often excludes following Jesus in his suffering (which Peter, on the other hand, mentions explicitly). On the other hand, the exhortation is too broad. We are not called to imitate every aspect of Jesus' life. Since we are not first-century Palestinian Jews (as Jesus was), we do not need to wear sandals, long robes, and phylacteries to follow Jesus. We also understand (as the context of Peter's admonition suggests) that Jesus, as the Son of God, was, is and remains unique. Wind, waves, demons, disease, bread and fish followed his words as he performed incredible miracles that confirmed his identity as the promised Messiah. Even if we are his followers, we do not automatically have these abilities. Yes, Peter calls us all to follow Jesus also in suffering. In 1. Petrus2,18-25 He explained to a group of Christians who were slaves how they, as followers of Jesus, should respond to the unjust treatment they received. He quotes a text from Isaiah 53 (see also 1. Petrus 2,22;24; 25). That Jesus was sent by the love of God to redeem the world means that Jesus suffered unjustly. He was innocent and remained so in response to his unjust treatment. He didn't fire back with threats or violence. As Isaiah says, "in whose mouth was found no deceit."

Suffering because you love others

Jesus suffered a lot, but he did not suffer from a missing or wrong faith. On the contrary, out of love, he came to earth - the Son of God became man. Out of faith in God and out of love for those for whose salvation he came to earth, Jesus suffered unjustified suffering and refused to harm even those who abused him - so perfect were his love and faith. If we follow Jesus in suffering because we love other people, let us be comforted that this is a fundamental part of our succession. Note the following two verses:

  • “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and he saves the contrite in spirit” (Psalm 34,19)
  • "And all who want to live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution." (2. Timothy 3,12) When we see others suffer with empathy, we are filled with charity for them.

When our love and God's grace are rejected, we are sad. Even though such a love is precious because it fuels our suffering, we do not run away from it and do not stop loving others the way God loves them. To suffer to love is to be a faithful witness of Christ. So we follow his example and follow in his footsteps.

With Jesus in joy

When we walk with Jesus, together with him we will meet all people with a compassionate love, that is sharing his suffering. On the other hand - and this is the paradox - it is also often true that we share his joy - his joy that all humanity is redeemed in him, that you have been forgiven, and that he has accepted her in his changing love and life , That is why it means sharing joy and sorrow equally with him as we actively follow him. This is the essence of a spiritually and Bible-led life. We should not fall for a false gospel that promises only joy and no suffering. Sharing in both is part of our mission and essential to our intimate fellowship with our compassionate Lord and Savior.

by Joseph Tkach


pdfWith Jesus in joy and sorrow