THE JOY OF SUFFERING
I Peter 4:12-14
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you also may be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit of the glory of God rests upon you."
Any suffering I endure pales in comparison when I compare it to the afflictions of many Believers around the world who are being tortured and killed for the name of Christ. The most I suffer is some reproach from the ungodly culture. Suffering for Christ is not strange or astonishing when I consider that the Lord Jesus suffered at the hand of ungodly sinners. He endured the cross and counted the shame as nothing because He understood the future joy that awaited Him when His suffering was finished (Hebrews 12:2). So I should not be astonished when I encounter opposition. In fact, the Greek word translated "shame" also has the meaning of receiving and entertaining a guest with hospitality, I think in the sense of an unexpected visitor who just drops by. Persecution – whether physical or social – can be considered a blessing and a cause for joy when viewed as an opportunity to share in Christ's sufferings. That's why Jesus could say, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven..." (Matthew 5:11-12). And James could write, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). There is hope of glory when the trials of this life are ended. "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Persecution and suffering for the sake of the Gospel is not strange or abnormal.
[end]
Have a "normal" day. Love you
I Peter 4:12-14
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you also may be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit of the glory of God rests upon you."
Any suffering I endure pales in comparison when I compare it to the afflictions of many Believers around the world who are being tortured and killed for the name of Christ. The most I suffer is some reproach from the ungodly culture. Suffering for Christ is not strange or astonishing when I consider that the Lord Jesus suffered at the hand of ungodly sinners. He endured the cross and counted the shame as nothing because He understood the future joy that awaited Him when His suffering was finished (Hebrews 12:2). So I should not be astonished when I encounter opposition. In fact, the Greek word translated "shame" also has the meaning of receiving and entertaining a guest with hospitality, I think in the sense of an unexpected visitor who just drops by. Persecution – whether physical or social – can be considered a blessing and a cause for joy when viewed as an opportunity to share in Christ's sufferings. That's why Jesus could say, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven..." (Matthew 5:11-12). And James could write, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). There is hope of glory when the trials of this life are ended. "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Persecution and suffering for the sake of the Gospel is not strange or abnormal.
[end]
Have a "normal" day. Love you
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