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Day 47: Worthy of Suffering Disgrace (Acts 5:40-41)
What would be considered as being a ‘normal’ reaction to being flogged? Whimpering? Anger? Bitterness? What about rejoicing? That’s not what first comes to mind is it? But that is exactly what the Apostles express after being whipped after their trial. The point made by Gamaliel yesterday worked and the Sanhedrin agreed to release the apostles after a whipping and an order to not teach about Jesus anymore. Given the recent history, we can safety assume that that is not going to happen. But then they are described as leaving with joy. Not just some kind of adrenalin fuelled, fleeting joy, but a continuous gladness. Why would someone be joyful after a beating? Because they had been considered worthy of suffering for the sake of Jesus’ name. In Luke 6:22-23 Jesus teaches his disciples about rejoicing and being blessed when people hate them because of him an in today’s passage we see this at work.
How amazing it is to be proven as a true disciple of Jesus by being hated because of telling people about him! But note two things: Firstly, pain and suffering aren’t good things, we shouldn’t go looking around for opportunities to be hated, followers of Jesus aren’t masochists. But we can be joyful when these things come about because we are sharing in Jesus’ suffering and in Jesus’ mission, and we remember that our true inheritance is in heaven. Secondly, we should also be extremely cautious of teaching which promises financial or physical prosperity as a result of following Jesus when in fact the opposite is what the Bible teaches. We shouldn’t be surprised when suffering comes but we should have a deep satisfaction knowing the one in whom we trust. MC
QuestionsWhy is the experience of suffering as a Christian so different to the rest of the world? What is your experience of suffering for the Gospel?
How could you support or help a friend who is experiencing any form of persecution for following Jesus?
Loving God, we thank you for your word and the example of the Apostles. Help us to trust in you and be joyful when we come across opposition for following you. We pray for the persecuted church world-wide. Give them this same joy, hope and confidence in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchWhat would be considered as being a ‘normal’ reaction to being flogged? Whimpering? Anger? Bitterness? What about rejoicing? That’s not what first comes to mind is it? But that is exactly what the Apostles express after being whipped after their trial. The point made by Gamaliel yesterday worked and the Sanhedrin agreed to release the apostles after a whipping and an order to not teach about Jesus anymore. Given the recent history, we can safety assume that that is not going to happen. But then they are described as leaving with joy. Not just some kind of adrenalin fuelled, fleeting joy, but a continuous gladness. Why would someone be joyful after a beating? Because they had been considered worthy of suffering for the sake of Jesus’ name. In Luke 6:22-23 Jesus teaches his disciples about rejoicing and being blessed when people hate them because of him an in today’s passage we see this at work.
How amazing it is to be proven as a true disciple of Jesus by being hated because of telling people about him! But note two things: Firstly, pain and suffering aren’t good things, we shouldn’t go looking around for opportunities to be hated, followers of Jesus aren’t masochists. But we can be joyful when these things come about because we are sharing in Jesus’ suffering and in Jesus’ mission, and we remember that our true inheritance is in heaven. Secondly, we should also be extremely cautious of teaching which promises financial or physical prosperity as a result of following Jesus when in fact the opposite is what the Bible teaches. We shouldn’t be surprised when suffering comes but we should have a deep satisfaction knowing the one in whom we trust. MC
QuestionsWhy is the experience of suffering as a Christian so different to the rest of the world? What is your experience of suffering for the Gospel?
How could you support or help a friend who is experiencing any form of persecution for following Jesus?
Loving God, we thank you for your word and the example of the Apostles. Help us to trust in you and be joyful when we come across opposition for following you. We pray for the persecuted church world-wide. Give them this same joy, hope and confidence in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.