I cannot imagine a book with this devotional theme ever overtaking the self-help sections in bookstores. Indeed, I suspect that this theme is avoided even by many who own the bestselling book of all time, the Holy Bible. But it was not skirted by Martin Luther, nor by generations of people who likewise comprehend life through the cross.
Some suffering is surely the consequence of evil. But not all. Other suffering simply goes with being alive: birthing, illness, aging…even love.
The kind of suffering that theologians of the cross especially have in mind is that which the author of Hebrews points to in today’s reading: living necessarily by faith because in this world, broken by sin, God’s promise in Christ remains a promise. Thus, together with the biblical author, we have to admit that there is much beyond our control, certainly in terms of the creation’s natural processes, but especially in terms of our redemption. Indeed, in the face of God’s work in Christ, our efforts are nothing. The Lord must do it all! It is precisely this that makes us siblings with Jesus and one another.
Take heart: God’s life-giving promise in Christ is trustworthy and true. And in God’s good time, God will bring all to perfection.
O God, sustain us according to your promise. Perfect us for eternal life. Amen. —