Disaffected, abused, and alienated, with only the comfort of being among the chosen family: A Jewish heritage. Tell me this: In the midst of the pride and bitterness, have you suffered more than Him? The nations have found you to be a heavy burden. So were you wandering in exile because your own kin rejected you? So I ask you, have you suffered more than Him? When you regarded with disdain the outstretched hand of fellowship from a brother you did not know, did you feel you suffered from retribution? So I ask you once again, have you suffered more than Him? It seems you've witnessed death and suffering, pointless without the mitigating voice of God. Look into your own soul. Have you suffered more than Him? To see the face of God, to hear His voice, is to see and hear Him with us, part of us, participating in our suffering. This IS your God, identifying with you, for He carries us all, provides for us all, and feels for us besides. Yet, still, He has suffered more than all of our collective sorrow. We realize His Lordship when we allow ourselves the sight of His dying face, so concerned with us. Do you still think you've suffered more than him? He drained to the dregs the cup of pain, so He could offer you the purity of HIS joy as your inheritance! He has shielded you from the final condemnation and total destruction, waiting to give you Himself, as a gift! Don't plug your ears! Don't close your eyes! Give in to the longing for intimacy with your Creator and Redeemer! It is HIS joy to see you enjoy HIM and His sufficiency!
"Fear not! I have redeemed you! I have called you by name! You are mine"! Isaiah 43
