BROKENNESS

SOMETIMES it is asked what we mean by Brokenness.

Brokenness is not easy to  define but can be clearly seen in the reactions of Jesus, especially as He approached the Cross and in His crucifixion. I think it can be applied personally in this way.

   WHEN (to do) the will of God means that even my Christian Brethren will not  understand, and I remember that , "Neither did His brethren believe in Him" (John 7:5) and I bow my head to obey and accept the misunderstanding, THIS IS BROKENNESS.   

WHEN I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that  Jesus was falsely accused but He "held His peace", and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself, THIS IS BROKENNESS.   

WHEN another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, and I   remember that they cried, "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas,   "   (Luke 23:18) and I bow my head and accept rejections, THIS IS BROKENNESS.   

WHEN my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins   by the ambitions of others and I remember that Jesus allowed them to lead Him   away to crucify Him (Matt. 27:31), and He accepted that place of failure and   bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness, THIS IS BROKENNESS.   

WHEN others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and treat my belongings as public property, and I remember "they stripped Him, " and "parted His garments, casting lots" (Matt. 27:2E,35), and I bow my head and accept "joyfully the spoiling of my goods" for His sake, THIS IS BROKENNESS.   

WHEN people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength  can give, I remember that Jesus said, "This is my body which is given for you..." (Luke 22:19), and I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self-giving for others, THIS IS BROKENNESS.