Saved to Suffer

Revelation 1:9  I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and Kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
 
JESUS’ teaching to his disciples became very real for them: John 15:20 “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Our Lord always warned – even promised – his faithful followers would suffer because of him.
   It is impossible to imagine the depth of opposition to the apostles’ preaching, “Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, risen from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God.” Many violently opposed the remarkable miracles of Jesus’ life: born of a virgin, risen and ascended. Acts records James, John’s brother, was executed and Stephen, one of the first deacons,, was stoned. Then listen to Jesus instruct Ananias regarding the apostle Paul’s conversion: Acts 9:16 “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Cross-bearing is disciple-living.
   In verse 9, John summarized his own sufferings. Note he relates to the church three ways: companion in the suffering and Kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus! Think about this. When you consider being a church member, have you ever thought you related to all other church members as Kingdom citizens who suffered? And because of your sufferings, you all learned patient endurance to sustain your hope and faith? Millions of Christians throughout the world live with enduring suffering because of great opposition from families, communities and governments. Patient endurance is key to trusting God’s salvation is greater than all the world’s evil.
   What would happen if you told an unbeliever, “Truly believe in Jesus Christ as your eternal Savior. When you do. you will surely suffer for the Kingdom. And rejoice because you will learn patient endurance through the suffering. Are you ready?” Do you think anyone would accept your invitation? Do you?
    
Prayer: I pray, Lord, I love you enough to suffer for you. In your name I pray. Amen.