Consolation proportionate
to spiritual Sufferings
“For
as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:5
Suggested
Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
I
have sometimes heard religion described in such a way that its high
colouring has displeased me. It is true “her ways are ways of
pleasantness;” but it is not true that a Christian never has sorrow
or trouble. It is true that light-eyed cheerfulness, and airy-footed
love, can go through the world without much depression and
tribulation: but it is not true that Christianity will shield a man
from trouble; nor ought it to be so represented. In fact, we ought to
speak of it in the other way. Soldier of Christ, if thou enlisteth,
thou wilt have to do hard battle. There is no bed of down for thee;
there is no riding to heaven in a chariot; the rough way must be
trodden; mountains must be climbed, rivers must be forded, dragons
must be fought, giants must be slain, difficulties must be overcome,
and great trials must be borne. It is not a smooth road to heaven,
believe me; for those who have gone but a very few steps therein,
have found it to be a rough one. It is a pleasant one; it is the most
delightful in all the world, but it is not easy in itself, it is only
pleasant because of the company, because of the sweet promises on
which we lean, because of our Beloved who walks with us through all
the rough and thorny breaks of this vast wilderness. Christian,
expect trouble: “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial…. as
though some strange thing happened unto you;” for as truly as you are
a child of God, your Saviour has left you for his legacy,—“In the world,
ye shall have tribulation; in me ye shall have peace.”
For
meditation:
The man who proclaims that the Christian life is an easy one is not
only contradicting the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles, but also
exposing his own ignorance of true Christianity. Jesus promised his
followers blessings now “with persecutions” and eternal life to come (Mark 10:29-30).
Sermon
no. 13 11 March (1855) |
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