Colossians 1:24 “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church”
There is a resounding theme throughout scripture…to be a follower of Christ requires sacrifice.
The Apostle Paul knew all too well what it took to give his life for Christ. Five times he received 39 lashes; three times he was beaten with rods. He was stoned once, and left for dead. Three shipwrecks, spending a night and a day adrift at sea. Countless imprisonments, facing near-death experiences often. Perils from rivers, robbers, his own people (Jews), Gentiles, in cities, wilderness, and at sea; also danger from false brothers.
Then, adding to the myriad of personal afflictions, he also endured much hardship and distress. Abundant labors, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, cold, and nakedness. An ongoing, painful affliction, described as a messenger of Satan to torment him, which God allowed to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Daily pressure and deep concern for all the churches. The weight of all these afflictions were sacrifices in His life that he deemed worthy of the gospel.
I must ask myself: What have I endured to be light in the darkness? Do I count my life as loss to share the gospel with a world living in darkness?
Paul details his many of his sufferings in his letter to the Corinthians, particularly 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 and 12:7-10, where he lists them as evidence of his apostleship and how God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
This is what true love looks like for a person devoted to Christ.
Paul looked at his sacrificial mission as necessary fulfillment of his stewardship to the church. As Jesus was afflicted, so the affliction continues in His people.
2 Corinthians 12:19 “Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.”
The path of sacrifice can only be accomplished by His Jesus’ power. There is not a person alive who could endure such suffering without being sustained by God in service.
Jesus often reminded His disciples of what was to come. The affliction that Paul endured and what so many faithful believers have endured should not come as a surprise.
John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Does this message sound appealing? What would happen if people used this approach in evangelism? Come suffer for Christ and know His joy….doesn’t sound too appealing does it?
Maybe we should include this message more often. Maybe we should remind people that to follow Christ comes with a sacrifice, sometimes even death.
The message of the gospel has often been focused toward well being, receiving joy, and peace. Certainly those are products of walking in Christ, but joy comes in the morning after the suffering, the peace comes as you walk through the valley of Death, and happiness is a reality that every faithful believer will know for an eternity in Heaven.
Knowing and following Christ takes dying to self, that He might be glorified in His people. It’s not a popular message but for those who know, there is great joy in following Him.
U.T. 