Suffering for Christ

My Servant Jōb

Ken

We don’t say it, but it’s hard not to feel, it wasn’t fair for Job, a “perfect” man (Job 1:8 KJV) by God’s own estimation, to be subjected to all the pain, suffering, and deprivation he endured at the hands of the satan. But, doesn’t God the Judge determine what is fair? The same kind of thinking was voiced about the blind man in the NT. “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:2-3). The Almighty never apologized to Job and said, ‘I did it to win a bet with the satan.’ After the Almighty responded out of the whirlwind, Job could only say, “Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:3, 6). LORD, may we be as Your servant Job. Amen. 

Do Not Relinquish Your Life Lightly

Ken

Though Christians may be willing to lay down their lives for Christ, we must be willing to endure the often difficulty of living for Christ. I’ve heard stories of Christians competing for the honor of sacrificing their physical lives for the cause of Christ. This is noble, if we are just as willing to endure the suffering for Christ, should we live. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My [Christ’s] strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

Smyrna Was A Suffering Church

Ken

Smyrna was a suffering church. In Revelation 2 and 3, only Smyrna and Philadelphia were not rebuked by Jesus. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10 KJV). God’s appointed suffering is always measured (“tribulation ten days”) because He remembers our frame is dust.

Suffer Shame for His Name

Ken

Suffer shame for His name willingly, not for asceticism, but for love of Him. After being beaten for their Christian witness, the disciples “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41 KJV). Whenever you are embarrassed for Christ, remind yourself to rejoice and take it willingly.

Suffering and Glory

Ken

Suffering as a Christian is not a strange thing, even with our constitutional forgetfulness and ignorance multiplying our sorrows. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1Peter 4:12-13 KJV). But, rejoice because those who suffer with Jesus will also be glorified with Him. No suffering, no glory.