Suffering for Jesus

SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:40-42

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴² 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 Christ.

OBSERVATION: The apostles have been called before the Sanhedrin and are ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. When they refused to comply they were flogged and then released. They leave rejoicing that they have considered worthy to suffer for the Lord! Far from deterring the disciples, the threats against them spurred them on to continue proclaiming the gospel.

APPLICATION: I do not like pain. I really don't know anyone who does. I will do almost anything to avoid it. Yet these disciples were rejoicing after being placed in prison for a night and then flogged the next morning. They have received a public rebuke by the leaders of the Jewish community and they find joy in their humiliation. I have been ridiculed at times for being a Christian, but rarely. And I have never been threatened with bodily harm for my faith. I have, at times, been a complainer and have questioned God with "why me" type questions. When I read this passage I wondered if I would have responded in the same way as these disciples. I certainly hope so. But it does put my little problems into perspective. I have suffered nothing compared to these men. I need to grow in my thankfulness to God for all he has done for me. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

PRAYER: Father, may I have the same spirit in me that was in these first Christians. You have done so much for me in this life that I should be forever grateful without any complaint. Forgive me for the times I have complained and build in me the attitude of these dear brothers, who considered it a privilege to suffer disgrace and pain for speaking in your Name. I love you.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.