To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
Suffering is simply a fact of life after the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. But there is a special kind of suffering Peter is speaking about in our verse for today. This is not the suffering that results from living in a broken and sin-stained world; no, the suffering Peter had in mind comes from being a disciple of Christ and suffering for Christ’s sake. It is suffering unjustly, as Peter explained in 1 Peter 2:19. Christian, you were called to this suffering.
The darkness hates the light, so we, as children of the light, must expect to suffer when we are living for the Light of the World. When Jesus came into the world as this Light, He suffered greatly, even unto death on a cross. And that is simply the nature of the relationship between darkness and light . . . unrighteousness and righteousness . . . evil and good. It is certain that, to the degree we live out our calling as disciples of Christ, we will experience suffering.
When James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” he was telling us that this was indeed the pattern of Christ in His suffering in this world, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). And what was the joy that set before Him? It was you and me and all those who are His. He took the crown of thorns, the nine-inch nails, and the condemnation of the cruel cross, all for the joy of bringing us into an eternal love-relationship with Him.
After the Sanhedrin flogged the apostles for speaking in the name of Jesus, we read that “The apostles left . . . rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). The more the disciples spoke of Jesus, the more they suffered. And the more they suffered, the more they rejoiced, because in their suffering they were like their Savior.
And that brings you and me to an uncomfortable, unavoidable question: Have I suffered for Christ? As disciples of Christ, suffering is certain . . . but only if the darkness knows we are the children of the light. Do those you come in contact with know this truth about you? Can they see it? Many Christians — particularly American Christians — fear harsh words or sneering scorn for speaking what they believe. But do we fear hearing this? “I’ve known you for years, and I had no idea you were a Christian!” Would those not be the cruelest words of all? Or would they simply be a sad statement of fact?
Remember, whatever sufferings we endure for the glory of God are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us when we cross the Jordan (Romans 8:18). May that truth strengthen us for the certainty of suffering for our Savior.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 