MATTHEW 27:24–31 – So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.”
THEME OF THE DAY: A SURE CURE TO COMPLAINING ABOUT OUR SUFFERING. Quick question to start today’s nugget – have we complained about any form of suffering recently? Whether it be emotional, spiritual or physical pain, did we find ourselves grumbling and complaining about it? I don’t know if a person exists, even Christians, who has not done so either under their breath or blurted out verbally or on some social media post. A couple things about complaining in any form.
First it is a sin because it breaks a command – Do all things without grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14). Do all things also isn’t just our actions but our attitudes, and that means we don’t inwardly or outwardly complain about anything, anyone, including our suffering. And we cannot justify this. Complaining is sin because it breaks a command and is a form of rebellion against God’s sovereign will in our lives. Like anxiety is sin, let’s not be easy on ourselves. Sin is defined by God’s Word, not what we think based on our feelings and circumstances.
Another thing about complaining, and particularly complaints about suffering, is what it reveals. To complain of suffering in any form tells us we have forgotten our Lord’s suffering that if remembered, silences any of our complaints. And complaining shows we desire comfort in this life more than conformity to Jesus which is accomplished most through suffering.
The application? Or the theme of the day – a sure cure to complaining about our suffering? Today’s scripture. When tempted to complain about any pain in our lives, immediately gaze upon the last week of Jesus’ life and the incredible suffering He not only endured but embraced for us. If we do, then complaining will cease and we will humbly submit to the good work God is doing in our suffering. May it be so when the temptation is intense to complain about anything in this life!
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me when I complain about any form of suffering in my life.”
QUOTE: “To complain in suffering reveals our forgetfulness of the Lord’s suffering and desire for earthly comfort more than conformity to Him.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim