suffering & the cross

Psalms 2
"I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me," You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Jesus. the cross. in revisiting Mark in my lectures it has brought to life the idea that the cross is central to the identity of Jesus. that Jesus as the son of God was only complete after His death. the concept of suffering rather than conventional greatness, the concept of being rejected. thats the cross redefined for me - its not just about taking our place, but its also about the unconventional King, the suffering Messiah. and when we are called to follow Him, this journey includes suffering. includes being rejected, misunderstood, loneliness, pain. there is joy in the greater picture, but we cannot overlook the suffering, the cross. "deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me."

similarly from today's sermon -  there is no need to defend ourselves, wait and let your actions speak for themselves. In the time of waiting, God can do something that we cannot do. wait on God, do not just wait for people or circumstances to change - and in that waiting, we are changed.

this is such a hard concept to grasp and internalise - when very often we feel the need to fight for our rights, that no one will protect us and we have to protect ourselves. that if we are easy pushovers, the world will take advantage of us. where do we draw the line? very often, i have to remind myself of this meekness, of this unconventional greatness. of the way Jesus came, lived and died.

but it can be all fluffy concepts and ideas if we do not apply it into situations and moments of our lives. & this is a lifelong learning journey.

never before have i waited for so long for something so uncertain. but i do not wish for time to fast forward, for i am not ready to make such big decisions. for now, i am happy where i am (: