Sunday of the Holy Cross
With COVID-19 raging all around us, we live in uncertain times.
While the situation may be unique, having uncertainty is not.
Many of us have faced the unknown through the loss of a job, a breakup within our family, a health scare, or surviving a dangerous situation.
These moments rattle us.
Sometimes, if the situation is dire enough, we may end up with PTSD and dealing with anxiety for the rest of our lives.
These situations not only test our physical and mental endurance, but they also test our faith as well.
Where is God in all of this?
Does he care?
And, if he’s truly all-powerful, what’s he doing to do to set things right?
Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: In crucifixion God suffers with us and puts things right.
Discussion Questions
- What sort of losses have you dealt with in your life? How did you overcome your pain? How did it affect your faith?
- Where do you find hope? How does that uplift your mood?
- What aspects of the gospel give you hope? What services give you hope? How can the church support you?
Moving Forward
A wise scripture professor once told me that the Bible doesn’t answer the question of why things are the way they are.
Instead, scripture starts with the current situation—a fallen world full of broken people—and answers a different question: What is God going to do with sin, corruption, and death?
He deals with it with the cross.
In today’s epistle, St. Paul tells us that we have a God who has suffered as we suffer.
We have a God who has been tempted, just as you and I have been tempted.
But, because Jesus is the high priest, the cross is the means by which all of our pains and ills have been set before the throne of God.
Through the cross, our agony is transfigured into joy.
Through the cross, God reaches out and wipes away our tears.
He takes our sorrow and replaces it with joy.
The cross deals with death so that we don’t have to.
Because of the cross, we have nothing to fear, even if the worst happens.
Our distress is temporary, but God’s triumph is eternal.
Changing Your Mind
“For we have a high priest who is not incapable of suffering along with our weaknesses, but rather one who has been tested in all things like us, without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Bless me Father,
May you hear word of life! The handout added strength in me and gave me new hope. I am inspired! Also, Sent my responses to the questions through email.