First Thoughts Lectionary April 30, 2008

Morning: Psalm 147:12-20
Daniel 7:9-14
Hebrews 2:5-18
Matthew 28:16-20
Evening: Psalm 113:1-9

Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. (Hebrew 2:18).

When asked lately, "How are you doing?", I've been answering, "God is sovereign." That covers everything without going into the details of my life. Some know more than others about the details of my life - that's the way it always is, right? But everyone relates to the reality that things don't always go the way you think they should. That we suffer in this life. That people we love are hurting or dying. That we get confused and angry and upset, and can't explain it all away. Yep. The right answer for us reformed Christians to all this is God is sovereign.

And yet I love also the words from Hebrews this morning, when asked how I'm doing: Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. This brings God's sovereignty close and personal in Jesus. Jesus who was often misunderstood; Jesus who suffered grief over a dead friend; Jesus who got angry and upset with his own; Jesus who didn't have a place to lay his head. This Jesus is sovereign over my life because he understands and suffers it with me. In his divinity He empathizes and yet is sovereign over all suffering. He rose against it and over it.

And as my human Savior, Jesus also suffered temptation - to lash out and be bitter. To retaliate and deny it. To avoid the suffering. The temptation to run away. The comfort in these words is that over these temptations Jesus is also sovereign. He can help me use my gifts to build up. He can help me direct my anger toward just causes. He can help me remember that God made me and gave me specific gifts to be the pastor I'm supposed to be. That no one shapes my call but Jesus. He can help me forgive. Jesus helps me stay put when my suffering in ministry would tempt me to run for the hills. The Spirit is very near to me in times of trouble.

Thanks be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is sovereign over all.