Into the Cross of Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1:5-7 NKJV)

How are we supposed be consoled and cheered in the midst of trials and sufferings? The people in the world are wondering and bewildering why there are so much anguish, anger, rage, killings, kidnappings, fraud, swindling, slandering, deceit, and the like. Law and order never seem to be prevailing but lawlessness and unrighteousness does. Although people yearn and desire deep inside to have peace each other and the tremendous efforts and pushes are being made and invented to achieve it, no program avails at all. It’s completely hopeless.   

What is our comfort? It is not of the world such as wealth, status, or fame. It is not visible or tangible either. It is not something you can purchase. It is not something you can make. It is not the summer vacation. Nor is it the bible conference. It is the Person Jesus Christ crucified. Our true comfort is coming from the heaven above. God is the Father of all comfort and consolation. God so loved the world that He sent His begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). God comforts His people by letting His Son to be suffered unto death in our place. He was chastised for our peace and striped for our healing.

“He is despised and rejected by men,

A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5 NKJV)

Just as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. The endurance and patience of Christ heals as many as those who believe in Him. Paul assures our faith in Christ who continually comforts us with His blood of the cross in Calvary, saying “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9 NKJV) Christ crucified shall save us now and forevermore, so we shall be comforted eternally by His sufferings in our place.

Likewise, when we are afflicted with the same sufferings of Christ, it is for other’s consolation and salvation. Our sufferings in Christ are not in vain but shall benefit other brothers. That’s why we are told to rejoice in the sufferings. No one among the heroes of faith is without sufferings and troubles in their lives like Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, King David, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, and many others and let alone Christ Jesus our Lord. All believers in Christ are called to be the partakers of the sufferings of Christ. Apostle Peter says so aptly to the suffering saints in the first century. “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV)

The suffering of Christ is the only and genuine resource of our comfort and consolation eternally.

“Into the cross of Jesus
Deeper and deeper I go,
Following through the garden,
Facing the dreaded foe;
Drinking the cup of sorrow,
Sobbing with broken heart,
O Savior, help! Dear Savior, help!
Grace for my weakness impart.

“Into the joy of Jesus
Deeper and deeper I go,
Rising, with soul enraptured,
Far from the world below.
Joy in the place of sorrow,
Peace in the midst of pain,
Jesus will give, Jesus will give;
He will uphold and sustain.