Hope in suffering
by Kimberley Pfeiffer
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There will be no gloom for her who was in anguish (Isaiah 9:1).
In 1518, Martin Luther introduced a new way of thinking to the church that he called a ‘theologian of the cross’. In his Heidelberg Disputation, Luther encouraged Christians not to be theologians of glory who only look to good things as signs of God’s presence and favour. On the other hand, a theologian of the cross understands that even and especially in suffering, God is present and at work – just as he was at Christ’s death on the cross. This is a helpful lens for us as we read today’s reading and as we realise that God is urging his people to become theologians of the cross. God asks them to put their trust in his promise because a time of tribulation is coming, and they will see God’s glory revealed by their faithfulness.
After Isaiah spoke God’s prophecy about Christ, he gave directions for it to be bound and sealed for history’s sake. Then, he went on to say the only thing to be done was to wait and rest their hope in God. Isaiah told God’s people that this would not be an easy season because God would be hiding his face from the house of Jacob.
The other aspect of being theologians of the cross is knowing that though we will not be spared suffering, we will be given hope through it. So, we know that we need not fear struggling as though it will destroy us because it is through suffering that God’s glory is revealed. As Scripture says, ‘there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish’ (Isaiah 9:1). This cannot simply be comprehended by worldly wisdom. So, lift up your heart. Wait for the Lord. Christ is coming, as he did on that first Christmas. Thanks be to God.
Dear ever-present God, give us hope to trust in your promises when we struggle amid life’s trials. Strengthen our faith in you through these challenges and keep us secure in Christ in faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Kimberley Pfeiffer is married to Pastor Joshua, and they have four children. Kimberley served in various capacities in the LCA Churchwide Office before moving to the USA at the beginning of 2022 for Joshua to complete his PhD studies. In God’s provision, Kimberley has been given the opportunity to study a Master of Arts (Theology) degree at Concordia Theological Seminary, St Louis, which she says she is enjoying very much.
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