The cup that I drink, you will drink…
- Mark 10:39
I mentioned it yesterday as a suggestion, but I really believe we should be praying for more suffering in our lives. In the context of Mark here in chapter 10 James and John are selfishly desiring to sit at Jesus right and left hand in His Kingdom. Jesus lesson becomes one of humility and servanthood, but tucked in the middle is the promise of an all immersing suffering (drinking the cup).
Back in chapter 8 Jesus had again told His disciples He would suffer, die and be raised. He then told them that following him meant taking up their crosses and losing their lives for Him and the Gospel. I’m becoming convinced that, counter to common belief, God calls his true disciples to a life defined by what we would classify as suffering.
Perhaps like the disciples I don’t know what I’m asking. All I can say is that when I read the Bible the affluent and comfortable are often the ones gaining the world and forfeiting their souls, while the lowly and suffering servants are granted spiritual peace, strength and a place in His Eternal Kingdom. That’s a trade off I’m willing to make any day - I hope. I pray that I’m too weak to even reach for the world’s cup. I also pray that I’m strong enough to follow after Jesus and the disciples and drink the cup that they drank - no matter what…
2 comments:
Yes this section of Mark, 8-10, talks much about suffering with Jesus using himself as the model and example of suffering, and maybe this is part of sevanthood, of the first being last? Suffering seems to accompany gospel transformation. But wondering if it is more a byproduct of the spiritual battle than it is something to be sought? More along the lines of 'beware when all speak well of you'...suffering is the opposite of this, and perhaps a sign of encroaching on enemy territory? So maybe we pray for the kingdom to come, and engage in gospel advance, and experience suffering on the way? This feels like what Jesus is saying to James and John. Blessings! ka
Great comment! I’m with you 100% Ken.
I actually had a duel view of suffering in mind here. In the context of prayer (following the Weak post), I think God sometimes needs to get our attention and circumstantial suffering is often just the motivation we require to remind us of our need to spend time in prayer.
In the more theological context of furthering the Kingdom, I was hoping to back-door into exactly what you’re saying. The approach of praying for suffering was intended to get a reaction and provoke thought. I believe we suffer for (because of) the Gospel when we’ve taken up our cross to follow Jesus. You’re absolutely right, we should actually be praying that God use us to advance His Kingdom, which Scripture tells us will likely bring its share of distress (suffering).
I also agree that we will face spiritual opposition leading to suffering when we’re on the righteous path. That said I am one who looks for signs that I’m on that right path. I may not honestly be able to pray purposely requesting suffering, but I genuinely desire life to be a bit of a struggle to keep me humble, grounded and focused on following Christ. When things are going too well, I know I’m probably not where I need
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