Do you believe that courageous obedience always brings blessings? Take time to mediate on today’s scriptures before drawing a conclusion. The apostles were flogged by order of the Sanhedrin after obeying Christ’s command to preach the gospel. Can we truly believe courageous obedience always brings blessings?
What if the things that Christ has allowed us to suffer for His sake are the blessings? Examine verses 41 through 42 that state, _“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 Messiah.” _
Can you imagine that? They were rejoicing after being flogged. It reminds me of what Peter declares in 1 Peter 3:14a, “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” These weren’t empty words he spoke. He courageously suffered for Christ’s sake at the orders of the Sanhedrin and left an example for us to emulate. Going back to my initial question, in agreement with Peter, I think we can unanimously answer yes!
Father, let us have the same mindset Peter and the apostles had. Let us realize that being counted worthy to courageously, obediently suffer for your sake is cause for rejoicing. Amen.
TAKE ACTION
If you’re experiencing a time of suffering and find it difficult to find reason to rejoice, ask God to do a work in your heart and to supply the grace necessary to view your circumstance as He sees it.
Further reading: Making Sense of Suffering
Photo Credit: Teddy Kelley