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Sunday 14 April 2002 - `A Word for Sufferers'

(Summary of sermon by Rev Wilfred Mabizela)

Matt 27: 46; Jn 20:1

This sermon is a word to those in trouble, sorrowful and experiencing heartache. The devil has inspired the saying "you're God forsaken" and that is why you are suffering in this manner. In Africa's Ancestral Worship there is the belief that bad luck is a sign that you have been forsaken by the ancestors.

We need to ask the question as to what was meant by Jesus when He cried out: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Was this extreme statement a result of his physical pain? (The Lord Jesus knew that the hour had come for people's salvation even though those at the Cross didn't realise it.)

Immediately after this statement the Lord said "I commend my spirit into your hands." These are not the words of one just experiencing physical pain.

No, something else was happening. The real reason for Christ's extreme suffering and His cry on the Cross was because he, for a short period, actually experienced being forsaken by God. In 2 Cor 5:21 we are informed that the real reason was so that "in Him we would be made the righteousness of God", and be reconciled to Him. Thus, the basic cause for Christ's cry on the Cross was because of the separation He experienced because of our sin. Jesus was made into sin on the Cross. Our sin was imputed to Him.

So, contrary to your thinking, your suffering is not your real problem. Neither is it lack of money or many enemies. Real suffering is separation from God because of sin. Even though you might have all you want and have enormous wealth, it is all in vain if God is not with you. There is no satisfaction if God is not with you.

Because of what Christ did on the Cross  we have been united with God and made the righteousness of God, in Him.

It could be that the sufferings you are experiencing are as a result of your being separated from God and because of your sin problem you find yourself oppressed.

However, we hear in Rom 8:37-39 that none "of these things can separate us from God." Only sin can separate us from God (as we read in Is 59:2)

Take steps to get right with God. Bring your sins to the Lord and receive His authority over whatever condition you suffer from. With Him you can face adversity.