I wonder how many disciples of Jesus would admit they were if the threat of 40 lashes plus 1 was staring them in the face?
We have it so easy in the post-modern, civilized era. At least here in the USA and other "enlightened" and intellectually, and technologically advanced nations.
Acts 5:40 (AMP) - "So, convinced by him, they took his advice; and summoning the apostles, they flogged them and sternly forbade them to speak in or about the name of Jesus, and allowed them to go."
That was condsidered getting off lightly. They could have crucified them. They would have too, if not for the sound reasoning of Gamaliel the Pharisee and Rabbi.
Most folks would have counted their blessings, licked their wounds, and shut their mouths about Jesus for the rest of their lives.
Well, they rejoiced alright, but not the way we might think.
Acts 5:41 (AMP) - "So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name."
They rejoiced in the beating they took. Not exactly the Church model that I have been exposed to.
They wore their suffering with honor just because they took it for Jesus. They were tried and tempered, and proven worthy.
However, please note that I do not condone or believe in suffering just for the sake of suffering. The passage here is very clear. It was for their connection to Christ as their Lord and Savior that they were beaten. It was for that and that alone they rejoiced in it.
No one should believe that sickness or disease somehow glorifies God. In fact, it's clear from the Word that the opposite is true. Healing and deliverance from sickness and disease is what glorifies Jesus!
See how diluted the Church has become? How watered down is the gospel when people think they are doing something for Jesus just because they have cancer? This is a gross perversion of the Word, and actually detracts from the glorious message. It interferes with believers putting themselves at risk for the furtherance of the Kingdom if they think they can warm a pew and play the victim, all the while erroneously identifying with what the disciples went through in this passage.
God help us if any believer should ever think they have done God a favor by suffering with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. If we believe that then we are charging God with a gross injustice and violation of everthing the Word says He is!
It is the devil who has come to seek, kill, and destroy.
It is Jesus Christ who saves, heals, and delivers (sozo). It is Jesus who has come to give life abundantly and overflowing.
It's imperative to get that straight if we are going to be the Church.
Suffering for the furtherance of the gospel is one thing.
Suffering needlessly is another.
One is glorious, mighty, and powerful.
The other is needless and sad.
I think we should strive to know the difference.
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
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