01/11/2013 - GLADNESS AND EXCEEDING JOY

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But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

I Peter 4:13

For those who are in Christ it does not matter what happens to them because they know that being glad is one of the Lord’s commandments. If they are going through good times, they praise God! But even in the face of any adversity they are not swayed by any distress or nuisance. The joy of the servant of the Most High is not dependent upon circumstances. Whatever they suffer for the love of their Creator will be rewarded in eternity.

The Christian who fears persecution is not mature in faith, but he who knows the divine plan also knows that he may be chosen to undergo seemingly unpleasant situations and when they come the chosen ones will not be swayed by the lies of the enemy. As a matter of fact, God’s servants even seek some way of suffering for Jesus’ sake because they aim at the reward they will be given for having suffered any harm for the sake of the Son of God (Matthew 5:10-12).

Those who do not act as Peter and John – who were beaten because of the Word but departed from the presence of the council rejoicing because they had suffered for their faith in the Name of the Lord (Acts 5:40-41) – prove that they are not ready to serve the Father. Therefore, examine your heart and see what your attitude would be if you were under the threat of suffering because of your faith in Christ. If you tremble with fear because of the truth, it is a sign that you are not well.

The commandment is to rejoice for partaking of Christ’s sufferings, so do not flee from anything you might have to go through because of the truth. Whether you are discriminated against or reviled and falsely accused of anything, be glad with exceeding joy for your reward will be great. So in the great day, when the righteous Judge gives you the reward, you will see that it was worth your suffering. Those who rejoice now will do so in eternity too.

The day when God’s glory will be revealed is drawing near. All those who have cowered and betrayed, lied or acted like fools to avoid suffering for the sake of the Gospel shall weep bitterly for having denied the Lord and His plan. However, those who are faithful and suffer for God’s work will greatly rejoice. For them, it does not matter the hardships they will have to go through because what interests them is standing next to the Father

What has been your attitude in the face of adversity? What comes to your mind when you are affronted or despised for being part of the holy people? Those who know the Lord know that it would be awful if they were pleasing the lost. As we are not of this world (John 15:19) the world does not like us and because we are of God it is natural for sinners to avoid or chase us, after all he who dominates them does not want to lose them; however, with wisdom and God’s love we will reach out to them.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares