The Same Sufferings

The Same Sufferings

“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Pet. 5:9. In which way is this word telling us that Satan is trying to destroy us? By maintaining that it is different for me compared to the others; no one suffers as I do; none have been tested in my situation; the others don’t even understand me. They are also being tried, but not as I am. It is easier for them.

If we know that this is a lie, then we are safe. We don’t seem to understand it like that or feel like that on the day of trial, but by faith we know that it is so. I am not the only one who suffers like that, but all the brothers—every single one—have, are having, or will have the same sufferings imposed on them.

It is obvious to everyone that we do not experience the same fate and the same plight or have been given the same lot in life. The external circumstances and situations differ enormously. However, the sufferings they cause by our own will being broken are the same for all those who walk in the steps of Jesus Christ to the extent that we have advanced. And this is the crux of the matter. Whatever has caused the sufferings is totally irrelevant. Suffering in the same way is, in the deepest and truest sense of the word, being tried in the same way.

Therefore for this reason, with this understanding and in this sense, the Scriptures can say that Christ was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15. For this is not literally true, seeing that He was not married, didn’t have to struggle with toddlers, was not rich in earthly goods, was not a salesperson in a store, was not a woman, etc., etc.

The same thing applies to us. A man has never been a woman, and a woman has never been a man, and yet we now know—by faith in 1 Peter 5:9—that the same sufferings are imposed on all of us.

Everyone has to give up his own will, and this is the likeness and uniformity in everyone’s suffering and everyone’s way. This is the reality and the essence.

Also our great High Priest, Jesus Christ—He who was God’s Son from eternity, by whom all things were made, our Savior and Atoner and Sanctifier, our Master, King of kings, our Eternal Bridegroom who is not ashamed to call us His brethren (Heb. 2:11), He who is the most excellent One and firstborn among all brethren—He also, and He first of all, had to give up His own will (John 5:30; 6:38), the will that He assumed voluntarily to His Father’s pleasure by becoming a man with flesh and blood just like ours!!! John 8:40; Heb. 2:14, 17. God be praised for this likeness! For this tremendous goodness, nearness, and grace! For this perfect comfort and the astoundingly great hope that this truly gives to all of those who want to obey Him.

He suffered, being tempted. Heb. 2:18. He was made perfect through sufferings. Heb. 2:10. He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Heb. 5:8. He denied His own will, His human will (Matt. 26:39, 42), and this is the very point in which we have fellowship with Him, and with each other. This is truly the essence of the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ. Through these sufferings we are being conformed to His death. Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5; 8:17; 1 Pet. 4:1, 13, 5:9; Luke 9:23-24; Heb. 12:2.

It is also the fellowship of the sufferings of the members of the body of Christ, our fellowship with each other in the same sufferings. As many as know this fellowship with Him and with each other have received comfort and hope, help and protection from it, which far surpass all other comfort and hope, all other help and protection!

This is the mystery of godliness. Blessed is the man to whom this is revealed!

Seeing that it is such a mighty and preserving power to know the same sufferings have been imposed on all of us, we can get an inkling of the unspeakably great power and comfort it is to know that God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ, has suffered in like manner!!! This is the way that He has made and pioneered, so now it is open to us. “He has no form or comeliness and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. . . . A Man of sorrows . . . .” Isa. 53. His name is highly praised!

Instead of “no one understands my situation,” it becomes “everyone understands my situation.” We have fellowship with each other in the light with sincere understanding and compassion. Our battle and our suffering are the same; our weakness and strength are the same; our comfort and joy are the same; we have the same flesh and the same spirit! Everything is the same!!! We forsake the same thing, and we discover and gain the same thing! We are to live and rule together with Christ in all eternity precisely because we share His sufferings in this world!

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance.” Ps. 16:5. God be praised! Amen.