A True Mystery of our Faith

+++A Focus on Suffering and Healing from Hebrews 10:32-36+++

I recently had the privilege to sit under the teaching of one of the greatest preachers to ever walk the earth. I believe this man, 300 years from now, will be spoken of in a similar manor as Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Martin Luther. John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis and founder of Desiring God Ministries, answered this question with an outstanding charge to ministers to embrace suffering. The questions was, "How does the supremacy of Christ create radical Christian sacrifice?" He used many text from Hebrews but his focus was on the following verses.

"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Hebrews 10:32-36

The first question for those who still believe God can heal someone has to be, "How does this text apply to the message of healing?" Though I may be looking at this through blood stained glasses I still believe it fits. There is no doubt that God still heals people and believe me I am all for it. There is also no doubt that part of our call as Christians is to embrace suffering, joyfully. But how?

We embrace suffering joyfully remembering what Peter teaches us, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7) The reason we can pray for healing or deliverance from persecution is because as the author of Hebrews points out there is a far greater reward. The reward is Jesus!

Paul who wrote thirteen books of the New Testament says this to the church of Philippi from his jail cell, "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

It is true that Jesus has saved us, delivered us, and healed us. He is also saving us, delivering us, and healing us as we mature in the faith He has so graciously called us to. A true mystery no doubt, but there is no mystery greater than the love He has for those who call Him Savior! Embrace suffering and pray with faith for God's help in time of need never forgetting the confidence we have in a greater reward. JESUS!