Read Psalm 129:1-8 1“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”— let Israel now say— 2“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. 3The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.” 4The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked. 5May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward! 6Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, 7with which the reaper does not fill his hand nor the binder of sheaves his arms, 8nor do those who pass by say, “The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!”
This song of ascent has the pilgrims singing about all the hatred they have endured, recalling their youth spent in bondage in Egypt. This may seem like a strange subject for worshipers to be singing about, but it is through such reflection upon their suffering that the nation is drawn to the blessing of the Lord, his protection and faithfulness.
Israel’s reflection begins in Egypt. In Christ, ours must always begin at the cross. The cross of Christ, however, elevates suffering beyond victimhood. For Christ the cross was a vicarious suffering. A suffering in our place. The Israelites suffered as victims only, not as substitutes. In Christ we are able to see our suffering elevated, like his, from victimhood to substitution – suffering that is endured for the sake of others.
To live is Christ means never denying or hiding our suffering. Why not? Because all suffering is meant to be transformed into sacrifice for others. Comforting others with the same comfort we have received from Christ. Maintaining a faithful witness amidst our suffering. And even suffering in the place of another as we serve them in the love of Jesus.
You: In what ways do you feel afflicted?
You in Christ: How does union with Christ allow us to face affliction with faith and hope?
Christ in you: How has Jesus been transforming your suffering into comfort for others, a testimony of faith, or even sacrifice for others?
Pray: Jesus, your afflictions for my sake have made possible my afflictions for the sake of others. Teach me to never deny my suffering, but to elevate it to a place of substitution as you did. Amen.
To Live is Christ 