Scripture: Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Observation: The apostles had just spent some of the night in jail, until they were released by an angel and instructed by this angel to go teach at the temple courts. Then they were flogged and told not to speak in the name of Jesus. And after all this, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news… and the rejoiced because they were worthy of suffering for the Lord.
Application: Wow. I don’t know about you, but where I live it is pretty easy to be a believer. And it’s easy to talk about it. There are so many Christians around here you could even consider it hip and cool. (At least on the surface level.) So proclaiming the Word around here is easy. No suffering involved. (Like I said, at least on the surface.)
I’m not a fan of suffering. But here, these apostles loved the Lord so much and trusted in him with all of their being. They praised him, shared his word… and rejoiced in suffering for the truth.
What can I do? Am I really ready? Have I offered myself up to him? Will I let him push me out of comfort zone when he wants to? Do I need to dig down and not let faith conversations with those around me remain on the surface?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the cushy life you have given me. And forgive me for not reaching out more and longing to suffer for you. Guide me in my steps and my words so that I will serve you as you desire, and my will will reflect yours, regardless of the worldly cost.
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