How many times have you read the Gospel of Mark? Maybe 5 or 10 times, or more? I’ve probably read it 50+ times. Have you ever noticed that Jesus speaks of a third baptism? He does use the word “third”. We have a baptism in water and a baptism in the Spirit. Both of which are incredibly joyous occasions. But there is a third baptism. We don’t really like this one, and it is not fun; nevertheless, it is necessary. Jesus calls it a baptism of suffering.
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, suffering. I can see all your hands raised in profound thanks for the suffering you are walking through.
Suffering is a part of life. We know that because we live in a fallen world. Suffering goes beyond that. I certainly don’t have time to expound on every place suffering is mentioned, but let me touch on a couple.
Here in Mark, Jesus’ disciples James and John ask to sit next to Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus responds with a question in Mark 10:38, “Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” They respond in the affirmative, then Jesus says these profound words, “You will indeed drink from the bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering.” (NLT)
I can hear James and John shouting with joy for the coming suffering. Our human nature is to avoid it at all costs, but for the follower of Christ it is different. Jesus reminds us in John 15:18 that we will be hated because He, our Savior, was hated.
My life verses are found in Phil 3:10-11. Here Paul asks to suffer with Christ. Why? Because in the suffering, he gets to know Christ.
I know this may be weird, but I love the book of Lamentations. It’s raw, human, and real. We suffer in this life. Amid that suffering, we know our God better. Lamentations proclaims in the middle of the book, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”
We do not suffer in this life for suffering’s sake. Rather, it is an avenue whereby we get to know our God. Our impurities are removed and yes, our fait is tested. His love for us is assured. He reminds us again and again that He is with us.
I love how Isaiah says it, and I am paraphrasing here: God is with us in the fire and the flood. Suffering is not fun, but it is necessary. It is not fun, but through our suffering we bring glory to the King.
How we navigate suffering can go a long way in sharing our faith. People notice. They see our faith even in suffering.
I don’t know what trial you are walking through today, but I guarantee you’re in one. My perspective on suffering changed many years ago. I came to realize that suffering helps form me into who Christ wants me to be. So, when we ask, why would God allow_____, remember that we do not know His ways. There is redemption in the suffering. There is growth in the suffering. Yes, there is pain in the suffering, but followers of Christ, the suffering we walk through temporarily in this life is worth the glory we will receive in the next. See Romans 8:18 and 2 Cor 4:17.
My friend, you are not alone in your suffering. Jesus is always present, and we, His Church, stand with you by faith. One day suffering will end. The trials of this life will cease. We will have the honor of standing in the Savior’s presence, never to suffer again.
While we await this blessed hope, may we endure the trials and suffering of this life in order to know Him more.
Hopefully reading this blog has not added to your suffering. J Know I am praying for you as you navigate the difficulties of this life. If you do not know Jesus, it’s time to surrender your life to him. Yes, suffering will continue to come, but knowing Jesus is worth it! You may not be where Paul was, asking for this third baptism of suffering, but know Jesus is in the boat with you as life rages.
You can trust Him even in the suffering.
Through Time 