Is it a rod, a thorn or a cross?

crossthornsMinistering to persecuted Christians in Orissa, teaching CPE at the Baptist hospital and now serving in restricted access countries, I’m asked questions on the purpose of pain. Suffering is a human experience we are ‘called’ to endure (Phil.1:29), the one language we all recognize. Yet our view of and reaction to pain makes a difference. It depends on how we perceive what is happening to us during suffering. Following Christ on the path of true discipleship is marked by constant struggle, conflict and trials. In all this, we need to discover pain’s meaning, God’s design and greater purposes. Normally we seek relief, a quick fix, some way out at any cost. A criterion I’ve found helpful to understand and undertake God’s purposes in and for my pain is to ask: Is this a rod, a thorn, or a cross?

1. If the analogy of a ‘rod of correction’ is what my suffering is about, I dare not miss my lesson in God’s training course and parental care (Heb.12:5). There is always that selfishness or stubbornness in God’s children that makes us careless and disobedient in doing His ‘good, acceptable and perfect will’. So, if it is a rod, we don’t choose it, God gives us this chastening. While experiencing the pain of His rod’s rebuke, remember it is not because our Father God doesn’t love us, but precisely because he does! His rod, and staff, both comfort, i.e. strengthen us. We must recognize the rod is administered not to bring out the worst but the best in us; to make us like Jesus.

2. A ‘thorn in the flesh’ can be a persistent physical discomfort, ache or ailment that reveals our weakness. Thorns can be from different sources, like from the devil as in Paul’s case (2Cor.12:7). It could come from an enemy or a friend, as a result of our own stupidity or just being part of fallen creation or humanity. It can be Satan’s ‘attack’ or God’s ‘gift’. Hence, a serious question to ask is, whether the Lord wants us to get rid of it or experience more of his presence enduring it. The thorn can refine our pride, remind us of our frailty and cause us to rely on God’s sufficient grace. It is purposeful in prodding us to selfless, humble service for the good of others and God’s glory.

3. Unlike the rod  God administers, and thorn  He allows, my cross  I freely choose in sacrificial love, for another – Jesus! This mark of true discipleship indicates self-denial and total commitment to the cause of Christ (Lk.9:23). The cross is never externally imposed. Bearing one’s cross means daily dying to selfish ambitions, often to suffer unjustly for righteousness or Christ’s sake and share in his sufferings. Those crucified, hung dying with outstretched hands, totally surrendered with no rights and no more fights. Such costly identification, the badge of a true witness, meant martyrdom! Followers of Christ pay this high price for someOne they value more than life. They willing endanger their comfort and endure shame, fully aware Jesus’ Spirit is with them, there’s a joy God has set before them and they will soon share in Christ’s glory.

Sufferings come in various shapes, sizes and from different sources but always by God’s directive or permissive will to fulfill His purposes in and through us. So, how should we respond to suffering? Christians don’t consider pain in a retributive framework, balancing good and bad (karma), nor resign to it in glib fatalism (kismeth) but as God’s sheer grace (charis). This grace is embodied ‘in Christ’ and symbolized by his cross, where he was beaten with rods and pierced with a crown of thorns. Herein is comfort; that Jesus knows our pain and what is best for us, in love he shares our suffering and his power delivers or sustains us through it. Thus, the cross of Christ is the alchemy that transforms our sufferings into an experience of God’s glorious grace – now, that’s what is so amazing!

Do 1 thing this New Year – ‘Press On’

carllewis.jpgEverybody likes ‘new beginnings’, fresh starts! Having said that, I also believe in continuity and faith-fulness to the task at hand or, in the way I sign off my letters – ‘Pressing On’. There is much value in ‘positive, forward thinking’. I understand the Greek god Janus, from whom we get the name for the month January, has two faces. One looks backward with a frown, and the other ahead with a confident smile. Paul, the early Church’s missionary and gospel preacher was once Saul of Tarsus, its menace and persecutor. But, an encounter with the resurrected Jesus, transformed his life. He made a startling statement in Phil. 3:13-14 that can help us have a fresh start and as Christians ‘press on’ in our faith, work and witness, no matter what. Continue reading

Christmastime: Waiting for/on Our On-Time God

It’s Christmastime, at last! I find waiting really difficult. We belong to a restless rat-race where waiting is synonymous to wasting time! Solitude is scary and stillness adds stress. Waiting when related to unemployment, ill-health or broken relationships can cause anxiety. Do you feel like you have been put “on hold”? I find it striking how most of the characters of Christmas were waiting people: Anna and Simeon, Elizabeth and Zachariah, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds… all representative of a faithful remnant full of expectant hope within a despairing nation. Along with these we are called to wait for and on the Lord Continue reading

God’s “Home” town, Bethlehem: believe it or not!

bethlehem.jpgNo matter where we happen to be, the mention of our native place or “hometown” can recreate fond memories and associations. “Bethlehem” focuses our thoughts on a precise time in history and transports us to a particular place in Palestine where Christmas happened (Lk.2:4). Importantly, it tells the story of a peculiar way in which God revealed himself and his loving purposes to us Continue reading

‘X’mas & Simeon’s InSight, ForeSight, Vision 4Mission

Day by day he was getting older, weaker and his eyesight… dimmer! Simeon was ‘a man’; a poor, aging commoner with his share of daily difficulties in getting up each morning. Yet his devotion to God’s and his word was swelling and determination steadfast! The Spirit had assured Simeon that he will not see death until he sees Life: Israel’s Messiah, the world’s Hope for salvation! Each day he watched scores of babies brought into the temple to be dedicated and wondered, “Could this be the Messiah?” then he’d cope with another disappointing day! One Fine Day Continue reading

Simeon’s Christmas: Hope Amidst [Physical] Fears

Growing older, I’m learning that practical faith and Christian living doesn’t mean I won’t have serious doubts. God gives faith as a gift to yielded believers who like Simeon, yearn to see his glory! I’ve watched some youth act “old and grumpy” yet many a Simeon/Anna “growing old gracefully”. Humans age and develop anxiety over the condition of their bodies, yet they’ve learnt the art of being not just happy, but full of hope amidst fears! Let me comment on some fears old folk have, then on the Hope Simeon had that 1st Christmas Continue reading

SAIACS: Education = Loving God With All My Mind

Education, ethos, excellence… are words that for me have become synonymous with my SAIACS experience! We graduates develop wings but how can we forget our roots or navigate life’s storms without the compass of evangelical truth we received at SAIACS?! In the mid 80s I met Dr. Houghton at Koramangala in a garage, where he convinced me, what India needed is not a million mediocre men, but a few excellent leaders with integrity. I didn’t join then, but took an application from Tej Paul the bursar, convicted that Christian education entailed loving God with all my heart, soul, strength… mind! Continue reading

Thanksgiving: the Attitude of Gratitude that makes all of life a Beatitude!

For several years I’ve daily offered this prayer: “Lord, you have given me so many things, give me one more thing; give me a thankful heart!” Psalm 100 is aptly called the Thanksgiving Psalm as it highlights gratitude as the attitude with which we approach God. We “from all lands,” once lost, are now found and welcomed into his presence! (v.1) We are exhorted to come. know, bless and show… gratitude in our soul and gladness in our service (v.2). This literary masterpiece is grounded in and stems out of God’s attributes – His goodness created us and grace recreated us as “his people” and “sheep of his care”! (v.3, 5) Continue reading

And Can It Be?… a move of God; my defining moment!

A favorite hymn and each time I sing, And Can It Be… I put on “the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness!” (Isa. 61:3). The Psalmist (150:2) exhorts us to praise God for his excellent greatness (worth) and mighty deeds (works). Here’s a useful exercise that will help us be and do all what God wants. Write down: (1). An attribute of God that causes you to adore him (2). One thing God did for you that makes you want to do anything for him (3). If God assures you favor and success, what one thing will you ask and see yourself doing for him? Continue reading

Outreach To Asia Nationals: The Mission Where Christ’s Last Command is the First Concern

How is one to measure effectiveness or success in a given job or task? Of course we need a yardstick, some criteria! When it comes to Christian mission, we don’t have to look long or hard. Our Lord spelled out this standard that is etched in the Gospels. We refer to this as the Church’s “Great Commission,” sadly the “grave omission” in our agendas (Matt. 28:18-20)! Continue reading