Imagine you were arrested for speaking about Jesus. Then you were thrown in jail. Then you were put on trial and ridiculed and condemned for your faith. Then you were beaten and sent home with the command to never speak about Jesus again. Can you imagine that? How would you feel? I bet I would feel broken. Discouraged. Angry! Tempted to give up on Jesus.
But that’s not what’ Jesus disciples did. They suffered all those things: Arrested. Thrown in jail. Put on trial. Beaten. And here’s what they did, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 5:41-43). They rejoiced to be considered worthy of suffering for Jesus. After watching Jesus die for them. After seeing him rise from the dead. After hearing all his promises, they rejoiced to suffer for his Name.
May God give you and me that same faith and courage! It is a blessing to be connected with Jesus. Not just for the good stuff. Not just on the good days. It is a blessing to be connected with Jesus, even with his suffering. Facing our crosses leads us to Jesus’ cross. Facing our suffering reminds us of Jesus’ suffering and the incredible love he has for you and me. In a world—and a country—that is becoming increasingly hostile to Christians, may we never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. And when the suffering comes, may we rejoice to suffer disgrace for the Name.
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