"Rejoice In Suffering"

Acts 5:41-42 “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

            Growing up my grandmother use to tell me, “When you think that you have it bad, always remember there is someone who has it worse.” I find it easy to feel sorry for myself or seek the pity of others when life gets difficult. The reality for most everyone who reads this is that our lives on the most difficult days are really not that bad. How many of us have been threatened with the loss of our lives if we failed to comply with our governmental or religious authorities? It is easy to look at our current situation in life and say, “Woe is me.” Yet, God is working something far greater, namely His sovereign will in His children’s lives.

            The book of Acts is filled with Holy Spirit empowerment of the Apostles to do miracles, wonders, and signs. The book is also known as the great missionary book that records several missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and others. However, the book of Acts is also known for the great persecution that sent the early church in an amazing revival and the advancement of the gospel to the nations. One of the main themes throughout Acts is the suffering of God’s saints. The advancement of the church and the gospel will always come with a price of suffering and persecution by the unbelieving world. The Apostle Paul reminded the church at Philippi, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).

            Therefore, as Christian’s our life will be marked by suffering and persecution when lived out before a Christ hating world. The world hates God, Christ, and His Word. As Christians we love God, Christ, His Word, and His gospel, which will bring about suffering, as the Apostles endured in advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Dr. Luke recorded, the Apostles did not seek comfort or pity from others, but literally rejoiced (celebrated) in the fact that they were “beaten” for the name of Christ. The Apostles were commanded not to teach or preach in the name of Christ, but as we read in Acts 5:42, “And every day in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

            I want to encourage us all today no matter where you find yourself, remember God has sovereignly placed you there. If you are God’s child He knows exactly where you are at, what you are doing, and how you are responding to His sovereign plan. Think about these Apostles who were beaten by the religious crowds for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and yet, they rejoiced in the fact, “they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” [of Christ]. May we have the same resolve of the Apostles to continue to proclaim Jesus as the Christ regardless of the cost. May we be able to say, like the Apostle Paul at the end of his life, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering…” (2 Timothy 4:6).

 May the Lord give us grace to endure wherever He has placed us to be “salt and light” to a dark world by advancing the truth of the gospel for His glory. Thus, being reminded that we have a Great High Priest who suffered in every way as us, yet without sin. Therefore, rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for Jesus!

Sola Deo Gloria!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Chad