Crucified through the Changes

All of us who feel less than welcomed in this changing world experiences the same sorrow and anguish. I remember when my social life was bustling with friends and family, but through one heartache then another I find myself alone. I used to be able to go just about where I wanted to go but now there is no warm welcome anywhere, it has come to a halt. It used to be OK for me to “lend a hand” and to do for others but now no one needs my goodwill. There used to be a place for my thoughts, opinions, and ideas but not anymore. Jesus experienced the same thing in the society he lived in as no one wanted His help, His hands nailed to the cross. Everywhere He went there were those who were against Him, His feet nailed to the cross They rejected His thoughts, wisdom, and inspiration and he suffered a crown of thorns. His heart of compassion was run through with a spear. Jesus didn’t just know what we are going through, He experienced it, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

We are suffering in our changing times the same way that Jesus was suffering in His changing times. In a sense, that makes us His children and He will give us an inheritance in Heaven. God will wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more pain: all the previous things will pass away. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:17