Word for the Day January 19
By: Evang. Cascille Hammack
"For
it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him." Philippians 1:29
The Christian life does not exempt us from suffering.
We are so connected with the Lord that the "sufferings of Christ" become part of our lives. But
Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 1:5, "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ
our comfort overflows." When we belong to Him, where the suffering flows, the comfort of the Lord overflows!
We can then share this same comfort that we have been comforted with others. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4, "Praise
be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in
all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
Our suffering is not a suffering because of disobedience,
but is often a suffering caused by Satan, the world and false believers as we share in Christ's cause. Romans 8:17
says, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings
in order that we may also share in His glory." In Acts 5, after the apostles had healed many and performed many
signs and wonders and proclaimed the Gospel, they were greatly persecuted by being thrown into prison and flogged by the religious
leaders. Acts 5:42,43 describes their response, "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they
had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 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."
Consider how some of the apostles left this earth and went to be with the Lord. Stephan was martyred outside of Jerusalem.
Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia. Mark was dragged to death through the streets of Alexandria, Egypt. Luke was hung
from a olive tree in Greece. John survived a boiling pot in Rome and later died of natural causes in Ephesus. Peter was crucified
in Rome. James the Great was beheaded in Jerusalem. James the Less was thrown off the roof of the temple and then beaten to
death with a club. Thomas was pierced a spear! Bartholomew was killed by having his skin ripped off while still alive.
Jude was shot with arrows until he died. Simeon was crucified in Persia. Paul was beheaded by Nero in Rome.
We know that eight of the apostles were martyred. Consider their sacrifice.
1 Peter 4:14 says, "If you are insulted because of the
name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." Jesus said in Luke 4:4-7, "I
tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you
whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear
him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs
of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
As Christians, we all undergo suffering
but the comfort we receive is greater and our reward is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not
lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary
troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on
what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Let us be channels of the Lord's comfort and His peace
to others who are suffering. Because we have received much, let us freely give to all in need. Jesus said in Matthew
10:42, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you
the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”