March 26 – Suffering on the Cross

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. ... Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. ... Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. ... Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. - 1 Peter 4:1-2, 12-13, 15-16, 19

How do we respond to situations where we are suffering? The best way is to respond in faith—trust in God, like Jesus did as He faced temptations, trials, rejection and ultimately crucifixion. That’s what Peter was talking about in the verse above… entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. God will take care of whatever it is ultimately. For now…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you, as it says in 1 Peter 5:6-7. As we walk through this Holy Week, remembering Christ’s sacrifice for us, let us keep on looking to the Lord for His will and His way in our lives—casting our cares on Him—and giving Him the glory for the sheer knowledge that we are loved and cared for by the awesome and omniscient God of the Universe. 

Training Tip – Show your family a photo or statue of Jesus on the cross. Likely your children already know that Jesus died on the cross for them…but what does that really mean to them. Give each child a few pennies and then discuss payment for sins, for mistakes we’ve made. Ask them to use those pennies to “pay” for their sins. Have them confess to a mistake and then tell them how many pennies it will cost. Take all their pennies and demand more. There are not enough pennies in the world to “pay”—so Jesus paid for our sins with His life. End your time with prayer, asking each person to thank Jesus for paying for their mistakes.

Lord Jesus, thank you. You are perfect and sinless—yet You took on my sins and died on the cross for me. Thank you.

First day of Passover

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.