The Contradictions of Life

“Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. ”  I Peter 3:10-12

Peter tells us the prophets were a bit confused.  They had a hard time reconciling a reigning king Messiah with a suffering servant Messiah.  But to their credit they “inquired diligently.”

We too can be confused by the seeming contradictions we face in our Christian lives.  We know and preach that God wants to bless us, yet we sometimes find ourselves walking through circumstances that are anything but blessings.  We believe in healing and yet sometimes must wait for it.  God has promised to guide us, but there are times we sit waiting in the dark.  The Christian life can seem to be contradictory at times.

When we are confronted with these seeming contradictions Hebrews 12:3 advises us to “consider Jesus” who endured the greatest contradiction. The true essence of Life Himself, left to die a criminal's death on a cross.  Peter also encourages us not to think it strange when some fiery trial comes along, but rejoice that we are partaking in Christ’s sufferings.

There is one sure thing:  Paul encouraged young pastor Timothy, “If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him.” In another place Paul encourages suffering Christians with this thought:  “These momentary light afflictions are not compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us.” 

When the contradictions of life come along – and they will – we have an example of the prophets who went to their knees and diligently inquired of God about the things they didn’t understand.  We also have the example of the savior who patiently waited through the trial and received the greatest honor of all - a name above every other name.