It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” vs. 10
Hebrews 2:5-12
The many references to suffering in our scriptures reflects its universal presence in the human community. Every generation has struggled with both personal and communal encounters with violence, injustice, oppression, and torture, and those concerns are lifted up in all parts of the bible. The writers were very aware of the pain that comes with suffering, and often reflected on its purpose, particularly when it was so often undeserved. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers pored over the Hebrew scriptures and came to realize that it was possible for suffering to be redemptive. The writer of Hebrews began to teach that it was through his sufferings that Jesus had been made perfect, thereby becoming the pioneer of salvation for all God’s children. This understanding resonates with some folks who have experienced suffering. Just as the finest steel is tempered and toughened by exposure to flame, they believe that suffering brings out their best. For them, the periods of suffering in their lives have strengthened faith and exposed compassion. Of course that’s not always true. Sometimes suffering is the death of people. But for people of faith, suffering is never the end of the story. For them, as for Paul in Romans 5, it leads through endurance to character and finally to hope! And that’s what keeps us going!
Thought for the Day: What have I learned from suffering?
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