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CHRIST’S PATIENCE UNDER SUFFERINGS
THINGS are good or evil in this life chiefly by comparison: the happiest of men is unhappy in comparison of Adam in Paradise; and the most miserable of men is happy in comparison of those who are in hell. This reflection will be of great service to us in estimating our own state. It is not indeed expedient that we should compare ourselves with those who appear in a more prosperous condition than ourselves (unless for the purposes of humiliation and self-abasement), lest we should be led to envy them, and to repine at our own lot: but it will be highly advantageous to us frequently to view the wants and sufferings of others, in order to extirpate every murmuring thought, and to stimulate our own souls to gratitude and thanksgiving. A sight of the Lord Jesus in particular cannot fail to produce in us the best effects; since all that we are called to endure for his sake, is as nothing in comparison of what he patiently and willingly endured for us—
In the text we have this very direction given us, and for this express purpose. The Apostle, in what he wrote for the comfort of the afflicted Hebrews, reminds us,
I. That the soul is apt to faint under heavy trials—
The people of God are taught to expect trials from an ungodly world; and to make their sufferings an occasion of joy and glorying. But,
Even the most eminent saints have fainted under their trials—
[In the Scriptures we have the weaknesses of God’s people as faithfully recorded as their virtues. And there is scarcely a saint who has not on some occasions shewn himself weak as other men. Jacob, in despondency, cried, “All these things are against me [Note: Gen_42:36.].” Moses, by his intemperate and hasty expressions, provoked God to exclude him from the earthly Canaan [Note: Num_20:10-12.]. Job cursed the day of his birth, and accused even God himself of cruelty and oppression [Note: Job_3:3; Job_10:3; Job_16:12-14.]. David said it was in vain to serve God; and called all who had ever testified to the contrary, by the name of liars [Note: Psa_73:13-14; Psa_77:4; Psa_77:7-9; Psa_116:10-11.]. Elijah, through the dread of Jezebel, begged of God to put an end to his life [Note: 1Ki_19:4.]. Jeremiah lamented that he had ever been born; and complained that God himself was to him “as a liar, and as waters that fail [Note: Jer_15:10; Jer_15:18.].” All of these were very distinguished characters, and yet, in circumstances of peculiar trial, lost that composure of mind which it was their duty, and their privilege, to possess.]
And who amongst us has not on many occasions betrayed the same weakness?
[We have borne up with fortitude perhaps against some trials, which have been light and transient; but how have we sustained those which were heavy, complicated, and of long continuance? When our troubles have arisen from those who were our avowed enemies, we have endured them manfully: but when they have come from a quarter that we did not expect, or from a quarter from whence we had reason to expect nothing but support and consolation, how have we endured them then? If some near relative, or a friend that was as our own soul, have been the immediate cause of our affliction, and our enemies have been those of our own household, have we not given way to complaint and murmuring? Yea, have not our very spirits failed by reason of vexation, insomuch that we could find scarce any comfort in life. If we have not been turned from the faith, like those who were afraid to confess Christ [Note: Joh_12:42.], have we not been diverted from the path of duty, and been led to manifest a vindictive spirit instead of overcoming evil with good? Let this then suffice to shew us how weak we are, and how much we need the supports and consolations of the Gospel.]
But in the text the Apostle informs us,
II. That a view of Christ’s patience under his sufferings will afford us most effectual relief—
Many are the consolations which the Gospel administers, by pointing out to us the author and the intent of our trials, together with the benefits resulting from them. But there is no source of comfort so great as that which the consideration of Christ’s sufferings opens to us.
The contradiction of sinners which Christ endured was wonderful indeed—
[Consider the unreasonableness with which he was opposed, when, notwithstanding the myriads of miracles that he wrought, his enemies were continually demanding more signs, and pretending a want of evidence as the ground of their unbelief. Consider the obstinacy with which he was rejected, when his victory over the devils was ascribed to a confederacy with them; and Lazarus himself was made an object of murderous resentment, because his restoration from the grave was the means of converting some who were more open to conviction. Consider the malice with which he was persecuted. Incessantly did his enemies labour to ensnare him, and seek to take away his life. And, when they had a prospect of effecting their purpose, there was no method, however infamous, which they did not use to accomplish their wishes. With what inveteracy did they suborn false witnesses; and, on the failure of that device, compel the judge by clamours and menaces, to give sentence against him! Consider the cruelty with which he was put to death. They might, one would have thought, have been satisfied with seeing his back torn, and even ploughed up, with scourges: but their cruelty was insatiable; for, even when he was nailed to the accursed tree, they ceased not to mock and insult him, and to add by their indignities a tenfold poignancy to all his anguish.
Yet, notwithstanding the contradiction of sinners against him was so great and unparalleled, he endured it all with patience, never fainting, never wearied, till he expired under the accumulated load.]
A due consideration of this will keep us from fainting under our sorrows—
[What are our sorrows in comparison of his? The utmost we have met with is a little contempt and ridicule, or perhaps the loss of some worldly interests or prospects. “We have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin [Note: ver. 4.];” and any thing short of that should be deemed unworthy of our notice. How slight are the aggravations of our sufferings in comparison of his! If we do not deserve such treatment from man, have we not merited infinitely worse from God? But he was altogether spotless; nor could either men or devils lay any thing to his charge. Perhaps we have endeavoured to do some good to those who now hate and revile us: but he came from heaven for the salvation of them that hated him; yea, and subjected himself to the power of his enemies, on purpose that he might effect their reconciliation with God. If then he patiently endured such things for us, should we faint when called to endure some light afflictions for him? Surely we should rather rejoice that an opportunity is afforded us of testifying our love to him, and of approving ourselves faithful to his interests.]
We may improve this subject,
1. For our humiliation—
[How should we be ashamed of our readiness to shrink from the cross, and to complain when it is laid upon us! What if we should be called to lay down our lives for Christ, as thousands have been before us? How should we endure that trial? “If we have run with the footmen and they wearied us, how shall we contend with horses? if we be wearied in a land of peace, how shall we do in the swelling of Jordan [Note: Jer_12:5.]?” Let us remember, that “he who hateth not his own life, (when it stands in competition with his duty) cannot be Christ’s disciple.” Let us then never fear the face of man [Note: Isa_51:7-8; Isa_51:12-13.]; but whenever we are tempted to betray the cause of Christ, let us reflect on the example he has set us, and “arm ourselves likewise with the same mind [Note: 1Pe_4:1.].”]
2. For our encouragement—
[Some variation in our frames we must expect: but we must never suffer a desponding thought to lodge within us. Be it so; our sufferings are very great: then we are the more conformed to the example of our blessed Lord. And shall not this thought console us? And if we walk in his steps shall we not soon be with him where he is? Let us then be content to “fill up the measure of his sufferings,” and to follow him in his appointed way. Thus shall we, like him, “be made perfect through sufferings; and, having suffered with him for a little while, “be also glorified with him” to all eternity [Note: Rom_8:17.].]