BROADCASTS.com

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are suffering and those who will suffer. Suffering is, by all accounts, an inescapable part of the human existence. Because we are humans, we try to make sense of our suffering: Why is this happening? What do I do about it? How do I make it go away? All of these are legitimate questions that deserve an answer. Never was this more evident than when Christ went to the garden to pray just prior to His betrayal by Judas. Knowing that His hour had come, Jesus knew He was about to endure more suffering than any other human being had before. But too often we, in the church, give half-baked answers that take verses out of context and end up causing more harm than good. I often wonder how our 21st century church would speak to Jesus as He approached the cross. "Hey, buck up soldier. You know the plans God has for you, plans for you to prosper!" How Jesus deals with this situation, with His suffering, is telling and gives us a template for dealing with our own suffering. In the first garden, I see the source of our suffering. In the garden of Gethsemane, I see a proper response. And, in the final garden, I see the hope to deal with suffering. This Sunday, we close our summer series Don't Waste Your... with a look at Luke 22:39-46 and how we can seek to glorify God even in the midst of trying and difficult circumstances. Not only will we see how to deal with suffering in our own lives, but also how we can come along side those in our midst and gently, and lovingly, show them the compassion of Christ. Please make it a point to join us this weekend. I can't wait to see you then! In Christ, Thomas