08/10/2020
Did we come to know Jesus by looking for an easy way through life, and into eternity? Were we seeking an escape from persecution, and to be continuously protected from harm? If that was the case our search was in vain, and we need only look at His life to understand that. Jesus warns us to be vigilant, and to know that there are those who will want to do us harm, but in the end our souls will find their reward despite the trouble that is in the world, and we will rejoice in our earthly calamity simply for having known Jesus.
“Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.”
Matthew 10:17-18 ESV
Jesus lived his earthly life among people who would do Him harm. The men who seemed most dangerous to Him were His own countrymen, and especially the priests and religious leaders of His time... they feared Him, and were relentless in their pursuit of Him, and all those who followed Him. Even after His crucifixion and resurrection, there was no relief for the saints, and disciples of the faith...
“and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”
Acts 5:40 ESV
This is the proper expectation of those who spread the gospel of Jesus, so why is it that the word continues to go forth? How is it that Christians can face such torment, and still spread the good news of Jesus, and why would anyone want to follow Him, and to lead such a life? Listen to what occurred with the Apostles once they were beaten and released...
“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”
Acts 5:41-42 ESV
The promises of God, and His love For us, coupled with that of His Son Jesus, are far greater than any harm, even bodily death, that the world can deliver. To have Jesus abide in us, and we in Him, makes any suffering the world can concoct seem not only insignificant, but good, as we walk as Jesus did. Whatever harm we are facing now, or that lies ahead in our lives, is like salt that serves to increase the flavor of our faith... and whet our appetite for it.
“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”
Acts 5:42 ESV
Every one of the 12 Apostles continued on in this way, and all of them, with the exception of John, met with a horrific death for their teaching, and faith in Jesus... yet they weren’t deterred. Our suffering is as certain as theirs, and is a common theme in scripture. Listen to these words that Paul wrote to Timothy...
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
And listen to the words of Peter as well...
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV
So why did we first believe, and why do we continue on in our faith if we know that our day to day life will be filled with the same pain and suffering that unbelievers experience? I have heard sermons delivered that made our faith in Christ sound like a sure, and immediate, cure for all our woes, but Jesus wasn’t sent to us in order to protect us from bodily harm... He came to redeem us from sin, and to defeat eternal death. He came because God loves us, and wants us with Him forevermore.
““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
Will we be helped in times of suffering? Sometimes, but sometimes not. We refer to healing, and the other wonderful things that Jesus did as miracles, because they were exceptional, improbable, unexpected, and divine. Listen to Paul as he affirms the premise that not all hardship will be lifted; some suffering serves the will of God...
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV
We pray as Jesus prayed, we Love as Jesus loved, we do God’s will as Jesus did, our lives are lived best when they are lived for Him, and we suffer as He suffered too. Our greatest joy and deepest spiritual peace Should come when we are most like Him, and although we might be hanging in misery from our crosses, we are able to see the eternal glory He has prepared for us...
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.””
John 18:36 ESV
If we follow Jesus then our kingdoms are not of this world either. If we are to be like Him then we must also suffer from time to time, and if we are to have eternal life then we must also pick up our cross, and follow Him... sometimes we follow Him to the happy places like weddings, but other times we find ourselves in the not so happy places like the tomb of Lazarus, or suffering on Calvary.
We are meant to be fishers of men, and this sounds noble, and perhaps romantic, but if we look at a fisherman’s hands they are thick skinned, rough, and covered in callouses and scars. If we look at their faces they reveal the deep wrinkles, and reveal the weathered look of leather; damaged by days spent fishing while exposed to the elements. So yes, we will be blessed, and yes there will be miracles in our lives, but there will also be hardships and suffering along the way. Are we ready For this amazing pilgrimage, and have we started our journey with a full understanding of what it entails? Understand that you are loved beyond your wildest dreams, but also understand that the suffering we face will weather us, and challenge us as well.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who teaches us what it means to obey your will, to seek your presence, and to come to you in prayer, and love. Strengthen us Father so that in our times of suffering our faith will be sufficient to face it, and our praise joyously offered up from the midst of the pain we endure. Show us your mercy, your grace, and answer our prayers with miracles so that the world can witness you in all your glory, and we can worship you in wonder. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who lifts us up in faith from the despairs of life, and strengthens our belief through the miraculous physical encounters we have with you. Praised be your name for every act of love, regardless of the form it might take, and for the mercy and grace you pour out upon us. Mighty are you who made your Son more powerful than he who is in the earth, and then sat Him at your right hand where He makes intercession for us. We pray Father that He returns for us quickly, and that each of us will be ready for His arrival. We long for you, and to experience the relief we will receive as you dry every tear, remove us from all suffering, and open the doors of your house to us, where we will be seated at your table to dine in your presence forevermore. Come Lord Jesus, and praise you our God in the Highest!
Rich Forbes