Morning, March 29
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Hebrews 5:8
"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered."
Hebrews 5:8
We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through
suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being
perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering
too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members
of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass
through seas of his own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to
heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master's experience teaches
us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must
not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting
thought in the fact of Christ's "being made perfect through
suffering"--it is, that he can have complete sympathy with us. "He is
not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities." In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power.
One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered,
and he suffers in me now; he sympathizes with me, and this makes me
strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let
the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in his steps. Find a
sweet support in his sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an
honourable thing--to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced
that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall
give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far
does he honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The
regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their
sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured.
Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles
lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him."