Even the one who is God Incarnate expected to suffer. He knew the depths of his coming sorrow. But he embraced it. For by it he would enter into his glory, namely, the glory of his office as our Savior. Any suggestion that he should do otherwise could come only from the devil. He who suffered the cross for us also has assured us that we too will suffer the cross in consequence of following him. It is likewise of the devil to expect that is should be otherwise. For to seek or expect escape from our cross ends in a denial of his cross and its saving benefit. Notice that Jesus promises his cross and the cross for the disciples at exactly that moment when their faith in him was most confident and secure. Moments of peace are moments of preparation for the cross, not ends in themselves.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (printed on back of worship folder)
Faithfulness and obedience to the Word of God are not merely one aspect of life out of many. They are the all-important and ultimately the only important matters of life. There is a life-and-death struggle going on within us, as Satan strives with all his might to pull us back into sin and unbelief. The only help that avails in that life-and-death struggle is the help of God’s own Word, the covering of the gospel and the confidence of faith that comes from it. Armed with the promises of God, we storm the gates of heaven with our prayers for assistance in the struggle, in the certainty that God will hear us and in his Word answer us.
