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The Crosslife Connection

September 9, 2026

Pastor’s Reflection

The Suffering Savior

We live in a world where we can get answers to almost anything. Need a recipe? Ask AI. Need help with a DIY project? Ask AI. Have a clogged toilet? There’s probably a YouTube video that can walk you through it.

But something interesting is happening with AI. I recently read an article about how people aren't just using it to find information or solve problems. More and more people are turning to AI for counseling, conversation, and even companionship.

I think this reveals something about us and our deeper needs. We don't just want answers to our problems. We want to be heard. We want to be understood. We want someone who can help us make sense of what we're going through.

And especially when we suffer, we want answers. We want to know why this happened and what we are supposed to do. But I think there is something even deeper that we want when we are hurting. We want someone to be there. Someone who understands. Someone who has experienced suffering and can walk with us through ours.

Isaiah describes the coming Savior this way:

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” — Isaiah 53:3

Jesus is called a Man of Sorrows.

He knows rejection. He knows betrayal. He knows loneliness. He knows what it is like to weep. He knows suffering, injustice, physical pain, and abandonment. And ultimately, he experienced the agony of the cross, bearing our sin and the judgment we deserved.

Jesus doesn't look at our suffering from a distance.

He knows.

Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.”

What a comfort that is. Jesus is not only powerful enough to save us; he is compassionate enough to understand us. He doesn't simply give us answers from a distance. He entered into our broken world and experienced suffering himself.

And this is important because God doesn't always give us the answers we want. Sometimes we ask, “Why?” and God doesn't tell us.

But the gospel gives us something better than an explanation.

Even when we don't know why, we know who.

We know Jesus.

The Man of Sorrows who entered into our suffering is also the risen Savior who conquered sin and death. He is strong enough to sustain us when we have no strength left and wise enough to guide us when we don't know what to do.

So when you are hurting, bring your questions to Jesus. Bring your fears. Bring your grief. Bring your disappointment.

You may not always get the answer you're looking for. But you will find someone who understands.

You will find the Savior who is with you.

And ultimately, our hope is not that we will understand every reason for our suffering. Our hope is that Jesus will one day make all things new, wipe away every tear, and bring an end to sorrow forever.

The Man of Sorrows is our risen Savior.

And in Jesus, we have more than an answer. We have hope.

Soli Gloria Deo,

Pastor Isaac

Weekly Quotes

“Salvation ultimately means the restoration of the image of God in glory. It is accomplished by the one who is himself the image of God. He’s come to restore a true and full humanity, and eventually the dominion that goes with it.” — Sinclair Ferguson

“You should expect to be regularly frustrated in your work even though

you may be in exactly the right vocation.” — Tim Keller

Prayer Requests 🙏

Our city, state and country. For peace, grace and revival. For our leaders to serve with courage, humbleness and integrity. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
Our church, pastors and leaders, congregation members–for revival, renewal and unity.
That God will provide Patrick a job that will help him support his family and community. And for Angie to land more jobs and be a light in the industry.
For Pastor Isaac on the process of transferring to OC Presbytery from LA Presbytery (exams and papers) and also for Joey JDSN as he completes the process for ordination in the OC Presbytery next month.
Marian’s health as she is in chronic pain and is in need of healing and strength!
For Katie, Marian’s granddaughter, who is pregnant, Please pray for a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Danny Ha who is in Dubai for work. Things in the Middle East are in turmoil. Pray that the Lord will keep him safe and full of wisdom.

Announcements 🗓

Sign up for CGs! We will resume again in September! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3KCOPSWMwn1SYzSmw3-N4vGwn4z5_y4aDo8uqDy2Vz_lh5g/viewform?usp=header
September P&P will be on Friday, 9/18 7pm.
Sermon Recordings - Sermon recordings are available on Spotify and Youtube!
Online Giving - Tithe.ly is the primary app used for online giving (Tithes and Offerings). Search Gardena Presbyterian Church. If you have questions, please forward your questions to John.
Crosslife Newsletter - Please give your email to Angie if you’re not yet part of the mailing list!
Our website is live! www.crosslifegpc.com

1340 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247 | Sunday Service @ 11:30AM | (424)237-8070 crosslifegpc.com | hello@crosslifegpc.com

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