“God had one Son without sin; but he has none without suffering” – JRM
I COLLECT quotes and the one above has surfaced more than once in my readings, being found in to today’s as we near the end of our reading of JR Miller’s The Beauty of the Imperfect.
I ALSO collect articles on suffering. Sometime ago I created a folder on my computer about suffering, trials, and difficulties to drop articles, devotions and other readings I find on topic. I’m compiling in that folder future study and teaching reference material on suffering, hoping to use it someday to bless others, Lord willing. In that material I’ve noted a few statements that might make worthy topic/heading introductions. I believe the quotation above tops the list.
WELL, I could go on at length on that particular train of thought, but think it best to get to one much better at it than I as we continue our consideration of The Beauty of the Imperfect. I pray you have found this to be a blessing of instruction, comfort, and encouragement, challenging you to a deeper faith and joy. One more installment after this, and will bring it to a close
In the inexorable blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2
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The Beauty of the Imperfect – Pt6
It would be easy to fill pages with the names of individuals who have gone down in defeat—but who in their very failure have started influences which have enriched the world.
In the center of this great host, is Jesus Christ. The story of his blessed life, is a story of failure and defeat, according to the world’s estimate. But did the cross leave a blot on his name? Is it not the very glory of his life—that he died thus in the darkness that day? Was his career a failure? Christianity is the answer. He is the Captain also and leader of a great host who like him have been defeated and have failed—but have made the world richer by their sacrifice. Let no one speak of such defeats—as blots on fair names; rather they are adorning’s of glory. In all such failure, there is divine beauty.
There is another application of the same truth. Earthly life is full of pain and sorrow. God had one Son without sin; but he has none without suffering; for Christ was the prince of sufferers. The world regards adversity and sorrow of every kind, as misfortune. It would never call a man blessed or happy, whose life is full of trial and tears. But the gospel turns a new light, the light from heaven, upon earthly life, and in this wonderful light—affliction and sorrow appear beautiful.
“Problems we face are nothing more than opportunities in disguise.” – John Adams
One of our Lord’s beatitudes is for the troubled life, “Blessed or happy are those who mourn.” In the light of Christ’s gospel, it is not a blessing to be without trial. Rather it is a token of God’s love, when we are called to endure chastening. In this darkest of all blots on life, as men would regard it—there is beauty.
“The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not.”
– C.S. Lewis
One final note on The Beauty of the Imperfect.
“The Lord made mountains, to teach us how to climb.” – Lonestar
“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward to what is ahead — I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
If we are truly following Christ — the best ever lies ahead of us.
….to be continued
