Peace: Suffering, The Missing Peace
Hebrew 5:7-9a
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
It is better to go to the house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting,
for this is the end of all mankind,
and the living will lay it to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Questions for Reflection:
- Clearly, in scripture and in our daily experience, there will be suffering that will not feel like peace. What is your initial reaction to the reminder and reality that “in this world you will have tribulation”?
- From these scriptures (and others that may come to mind) what is the role of suffering in our lives? How is it related to peace?
- Is there an area of suffering or discord in your world today? How might God be using that to teach you obedience and perfect you?
