As we read through the book of Acts in our Bible, we cannot help but be impressed with the acute suffering and persecution endured by the followers of Jesus. Apart from dispensational distinctions, it is seen that a common thread or theme runs throughout the book, that theme is:
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
In the fifth chapter of Acts, we have the account of Peter and the other disciples being brought before the religious council and the high priest. After Peter gave a courageous and clear message concerning the crucified Messiah (5:29-32), the religious leaders “were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them” (vs. 33). After Gamaliel restrained them with wise counsel, the leaders beat the disciples and commanded them that they should not speak in the name of Jesus. After this happened, a remarkable statement is made concerning the disciples:
“And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41)
What a paradox! The disciples actually rejoiced that God would honor them by allowing them to be dishonored. They were dignified by indignity! They suffered “shame for His name.” The cross of the Lord Jesus saves and separates, but it also brings shame. It is recorded of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
The book of Romans, chapter 6, along with Galatians 2:20, teaches us that all believers have been crucified with Christ, buried, and raised into a newness of life. We should all exclaim with the apostle Paul:
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
The most honorable, respectable, and dignified position to have is that of a child of God; however, there should be no false expectation that the world system will heap its favors on believers. The words of Peter are appropriate here:
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:14-l6)
God has promised to take care of our needs (Philippians 4:19) and to bring us through every trial stronger and happier for His glory. It has been aptly remarked that:
“The diamond cannot be polished without friction, no man perfected without trials.”
Also, “Trying times are times for trying” (not crying). The real, spiritual truth of the matter, however, is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
“There hath no temptation (trial) taken you, but such as is common to man; But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it.”
It is wonderful to be saved, settled and sure, by and in the Word of God. We should rejoice in the privilege to sacrificially serve in these perilously trying times. Ponder on these points and
Keep Looking Up!
