April 2

Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. — Isa 53:4 BSB

Whatever causes our grief, there is great comfort in remembering Christ’s own sorrows. It assures us that He understands our pain. In the garden, Jesus went a stone’s throw beyond His disciples. This image is a parable for us. Wherever you find yourself bowed in the shadows of grief, you need only look up, and you will see Jesus in even deeper shadows, just a stone’s throw beyond. His sorrow was greater than yours.

There’s comfort in knowing that blessing comes from patiently endured suffering. All the world’s peace and hope, and all of heaven’s joy and glory, are the fruits of Christ’s great sorrow. Blessing will always come from sorrow if we accept it with submission and reverence.

As we think of Christ’s sufferings, we must also remember that He emerged from them unharmed, His life glowing with divine radiance, lifted to glory as a result of His suffering. This reminds believers that they too will pass through their time of tribulation, and no scars or harm will remain on their souls. Instead, they will shine with a fairer beauty and a divine glory, lifted to higher honor because of their suffering with Christ.