You were going astray, but

For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)

 

Christ came into the world for the purpose of not only sufferings but also triumph. The peak of sufferings Christ had is the death on the cross, and triumph is resurrection and accordingly the reborn life. Thus in Christian’s life, sufferings and triumph will have to be shown all. A life that seriously shows sufferings and triumph can be never made so easy. It is truly possible through the grace and redemption of Jesus that can sublimate sufferings into triumph. Because only Jesus is the Shepherd and Overseer for the soul of man. Men’s soul was able to reborn for Jesus had been suffered and killed instead of men. Therefore, the strength sufferings give has been now powerless to whom in Jesus, and a new life got become brilliant for them.

 

Those who believe in Jesus must be active in every life. A passive or negative attitude is neither suitable nor desirable for them. This world does not treat Christians preferentially than others. World treat Christians same with others, or rather may be in some cases treat them more coldhearted than others. And in general it isn’t difficult to treat good with good, but it is difficult thing to treat evil with good. The reason why Christians’ lives can be beautiful is that they are trying to make good life through overcoming hardships in Jesus.

If you are disciplined for something wrong, you should bear with it of course. However it would be much more excellent thing if you respond in the endurance of faith any sufferings, even though you are not at fault. Such a person will be rewarded good without fail. In the case of Job in the Bible, there had been no clear wrong, but he suffered greatly several disasters according to Satan’s scheme. However, when his innocence was revealed after all, Job was rewarded and could live a new life better than before. This is same to the principle of pearl formation within shellfish. A beautiful pearl is created inside as a result of the pain given by chance. The most complete model on sufferings and the fruit is Jesus Christ. Jesus, who had not been guilty at all, gave for man a miracle as gift to rescue all sinners through His extreme pain and death. Christians are the ones who received the Jesus’ gift of new life and live with faith. Christians also, like others, suffer in the world life, of course. And yet, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they are fully able to overcome the hardships well.

It is said that people believe in Jesus by anticipating to be blessed. But actually they don’t know well how to do believe in Jesus in order to be blessed. Furthermore, they don’t gladly to hear saying might be suffered for blessings in some cases. They know theoretically the principle for blessings, but their will and attitude to accept hardships varies in real depending on personal thoughts. Among such the situation, those who entrust their own souls to the Holy Spirit of Jesus can cross the bridge linked to eternal happiness. That is, the blessed faith guides them to follow the way of Jesus’ salvation.

God called us, in order to make us live following Christ’s sufferings and triumph. In our life, we have either sometimes difficulties or experience victory also in some cases. Those who believe in Jesus must have a firm will as the spiritual warriors of Jesus. If a soldier is confused without bravery and confidence, he cannot win the enemy at the battle. Then he will die on the battlefield or be captured to the enemy. Also, subordinates who follow a senior soldier of wrong will get faced with risk. Jesus Christ is the Almighty Lord who rules the whole universe. He is Being who solved human sufferings, so anybody who follows Him will have eternal happiness.

Some people who do not believe in Jesus raise questions and try to find fault by putting doubts against Jesus and the faith. Most of the reasons and conditions for their dissatisfaction they have come from selfish worries and unjust greed about fleshly life. “What to eat, what to wear, how to knock down someone, how to take away that thing, and how to avenge themselves” they are preoccupied with spending their time faithfully as a tool of Satan because of those things. They will eventually fall into the abyss of eternal destruction, by following the guidance of Satan who leads the flesh and spirit into the despair. Oh, how sad lives they are in!

 

Many people who don’t know the Lord of salvation live wandering like lost sheep. They are pitiable spirits abandoned somewhere because they had not followed the shepherd’s instruction. Differently to that, sheep following the shepherd drink water, get food, and will return to a safe residence shortly. Likewise, the persons who are belonging to Christ, the Shepherd of the soul and Overseer of faith, eat the water and grasses of eternal life, rest comfortably in the Lord’s arms, and will enjoy a triumphant life forever, Hallelujah!

 

(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on Mar 27th 2022)