Suffering Servant

Psalm 22

We can feel the wrenching anguish expressed in the cries of the man of sorrows in Psalm 22. His intense suffering encompasses the entire scope of the pain endured by the entire human race during their sojourn here. We can lend our own voice to his cries to our God when we struggle in the midst of circumstances where we are hard pressed to recognize his purpose and presence in our lives. We too, can at times call out in desperation "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!" We can endure the suffering of rejection, mockery, false accusations, betrayal and slander. We can feel ourselves surrounded by people whose actions resemble those of a pack of ravaging beasts tearing at our flesh and delivering us up to death. We can endure true physical suffering which is both debilitating and deadly.

David wrote this prophetic messianic psalm centuries before Jesus was born into this world to " seek and to save what was lost". David points prophetically and in faith to the suffering servant of mankind who would take upon himself the burden of our sorrow and sin and carry it to the cross. Today, we have the advantage of being able to recognize that Jesus "shared our humanity so that by His death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2: 14-18)

Jesus has gone before us and has won a final victory over the author of death and suffering. There is no area of suffering that we experience that has not first been endured by Him on our behalf. We have a saviour who is not far from saving us, but who has entered into our lives to share and to carry our burden of suffering. He is with us, profoundly engaged in our lives, as suffering servant, healer and Saviour. Let us look to Him to find the strength to also stand victorious in the face of circumstances which seemingly belie his presence and love. We will discover his courage and strength and power to overcome! Let us "proclaim His righteousness for He has done it!" (v. 31)

Ash Wednesday

Luke 9: 23-24

Today is Ash Wednesday. This is the day where we gather with other disciples of Christ in a 40-day journey where we step by step attempt to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour. It is a journey of remembrance to be sure, but it is also a journey where we are called to take up our own cross and follow Him.


As with other journeys we are called to prepare ourselves wisely, in anticipation of the many challenges that we may encounter along the way. When planning our pilgrim journey we must pack what is needed to protect us from possible storms. We should wear durable shoes that will last for the journey, and a sleeping bag so that we can rest. Of course we can't forget a canteen filled with fresh water for refreshment and bread for nourishment. We will also have to allot the amount of time that we need to complete the course!


The journey we are embarking upon for the next 40 days will cross different types of terrain. The pathway may seem narow and steep at times. We may find that we are stumbling on rocks and struggling through both rain, winds, heat and cold. However, we can always seek shelter and take time to rest and regain strength to continue on the Way.


Jesus calls uo follow him faithfully and consistently. He calls us to join Him on his journey to the cross - but it doesn't stop there. He calls us beyond His cross to the transformational power of His resurrection. He will provide us the strength that we need for completing the course once we step out in faith to follow Him. He will give us shelter and rest. He will provide us the water of His Holy Spirit and the nourishment of his Word to refresh and strengthen us on the way. When the cross we are carrying seems to be too heavy, He will carry it for us as we rest in his strength.

Matthew 7: