What is on our minds when hardship
comes? The cause could be our own carelessness and sins. However, there are other
sufferings which are caused by our decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Verse 36 says, "For your sake we
are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
As we know, to become a true follower of Jesus Christ, there must be a cross to
bear, and a world to leave. When we try to save ourselves from the consequences
of this decision we will never find peace, but Jesus promised a wonderful
recovery for those who faithfully follow Him to the very end of their lives (Matthew
16:24-25).
The Apostle Paul himself was a
great example for us of how someone changes significantly after truly receiving
Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He no longer considered Earth a precious place as
he rather chose to depart from the world and be with Christ. Nevertheless, he
knew he still had to work for the sake of many people who needed the Good News
no matter how hard the task was (Phil 1:23-25). The truth today highlights on
what sustains Paul through all the severe trials. It is love. The love of
Christ enabled him to face tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or danger, or sword (v.35).
Sometimes we read or watch an
epic love story. Maybe we experience it ourselves - where the man willingly
sacrifices his comfort and even fight against anything for the sake of his
lover’s happiness. Fascinated by her partner’s sacrifice and sincerity, the
lady decides to follow him where ever he goes, come what may. Nothing can
change her mind. It’s an analogy, of our relationship with our Heavenly Groom. We
love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). He proved it by being all out
entering the dark world to save us, His bride, from the eternal condemnation. Paul
had no doubt about Jesus’ love as He chose him even when he was the most
unworthy sinner (1 Cor 15:9).
Jesus did not only die for us but
even is interceding for us right now at the right side of the Father (v.34). The
question is, what kind of sufferings have we faced related to our faith in
Jesus? To what extent have we lost our lives for His sake? Do we really
understand His heart and love Him the way Paul did? If Jesus doesn’t occupy our
hearts, then we will not be able to withstand any possible tribulations. Whether it
is a little mock, a lonely path to choose, a severe illness, a devastating
loss, let alone the ultimate one - the martyrdom.
“And God will provide rest for
you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from
heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment
on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of
our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 – NLT). Let’s stay firm in our faith, for
we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (v.37). Amen.
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