In this fallen world, Christians often suffer due to no fault of their own. Imagine a loving spouse who suffers the pains of marital unfaithfulness, or loving Christian parents who suffer the loss of their child. Now, imagine that you can overcome the pain and instead experience a ""joy unspeakable"" (1 Pet 1:8). That is the message of this book. It teaches that to experience righteous suffering is to ""fellowship with Christ in his sufferings"" (1 Pet 4:13). We desire to know the glory of Christ, but that is only half of what he experienced. Unless we know Jesus' suffering, we will never know the whole Jesus. And to know Jesus is the greatest joy of a believer, a ""joy unspeakable."" ""Suffering never asks for our permission. She often comes when we least expect it and throws our life into a state of disarray. But God gives us grace to endure and even to prosper in these seasons. Dr. Lee's personal and biblical treatment is an expression of this grace. I heartily recommend it to all who are looking for sound guidance and inspiration on the subject of suffering "" --Paul Jeon, Lead Pastor of NewCity Church ""There are certain paradoxes that we find easily tolerable. The idea of suffering as a means to joy is not one of them. Our Savior's suffering and his joy are intimately tied. Dr. Peter Lee has done us an invaluable service by bringing this paradox of Holy Scripture to meet us in our daily lives. As you delve into these pages that are full of biblical wisdom and insight, may the Lord be pleased to give you joy unspeakable in the midst of your suffering."" --Irwyn Ince, Director, GraceDC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission Peter Y. Lee is professor of Old Testament and dean of students at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He is the author of Aramaic Poetry in Qumran (2015) and contributor in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised (2016) and The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2013). He is also an ordained Presbyterian minister and church planter with many years of pastoral experience.
