Obviously, what transpired yesterday in the death of two of my son’s very good friends is still on my mind as I write this devotion. Yet, I must also remember the words of Rev. Herman Hoeksema who said something like: “Don’t form your theology on the basis of what you observe at the intersection of Monroe and Division (downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan). However, there is a connection between what happened yesterday and the Scripture for today which I think is appropriate to mention.
I received very comforting emails for which I intend to thank you personally and privately. But, I think it is OK, without disclosing the name of the sender, to mention one point of what one of you wrote in reply to my email of this tragic news. “It is good to share griefs as well as joys.”
While we may be eager to report the joys of the blessings of grace that we receive, we may be more hesitant to report our griefs which are necessary for others to understand the mercy that we received. Consider that it may have been embarrassing for the former Gerasene Demoniac to admit that he formerly was possessed by demons, that he was extremely violent, and that he may have been running around naked. Yet, such details of these griefs are important for the listeners to know in order to fully appreciate the mercy that he received.
We read in yesterday’s devotion: “”And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (Emphasis added.) 2 Corinthians 12:9 . Paul admitted that he was chief of the sinners, but such admission better highlighted and displayed the mercy that he received and the patience of Christ in pursuing sinners. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.’ ” 1 Timothy 1:15-16.
If we just pridefully show to others our Christian virtues and the joys of the blessings of grace that we receive, then they may conclude: “Well, that is good for him, but what help is there for me, a weak sinner struggling with these griefs???”
However, if we are like Paul and humbly share with others our weaknesses and our griefs and that God still was patient with us and still showed mercy on us, then it may encourage others and build their faith that God may likewise be patient with them and may likewise show mercy to them.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 