Theme of the Day: Rethinking Suffering Under The Cross
We know that the cross was an instrument of torture and execution. However, Scripture also uses the term “cross” to refer to any suffering that one endures because he is believer: the painful denial of the desires of the flesh; ridicule and persecution from unbelievers; etc. This is one reason people reject religion. They see Christians struggling in life with these crosses, while non-Christians often seem perfectly happy. Even the prophet Jeremiah asked, “Why do all the faithless live at ease?” (12:1).
Today, Jesus asks us to rethink suffering under the cross. It is not pointless pain. Our crosses are not how we pay for sin. Jesus already did that on his cross. Our crosses are not redemptive, but they are constructive. Any suffering unbelievers face is only bad, a foretaste of worse to come. But the suffering believers face under the cross is only good, a way Christ connects us tightly to himself with fire-tested faith.
Mark 8:31-38
Job 1:13-22
Romans 5:1-11
Psalm: Psalm 22
867 – Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
817 – Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
694 – Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
702 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
831 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.