The Morning Page - Rejoicing tho Suffering?

I've been deep in a study on the Acts of the Apostles perusing each verse and line of the scriptures.

So. Much. To. Ponder.

Something from last week's study stood out to me as though it were highlighted and bolded:

"... They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute." Acts 5:40-42 The Message

The word translated as "whipping" can also be translated "skinned." Friends, this was not a light punishment - the apostles endured deep pain, suffering and humiliation. Yet it did not deter them.

They were unstoppable!

Every day, and every where they went, the apostles kept preaching Jesus.

In today's politically correct world, we find the threat of social rejection daunting and often let it silence us from telling who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

We're sure not going to rejoice when we've been made uncomfortable!

I remember hearing Beth Moore once say there was nothing like persecution to bring purification to the Church.

Real or imagined offenses melt away in the light of what is really important. In eternity, will disagreements over preaching styles, contemporary or traditional worship, or even a committee member not getting their way really matter? 

After all, Jesus took on all our punishments knowing full well we would eventually get complacent and forget about His sacrifice.  He knows our tendency to get all wrapped up in comfort and want our own way. How easy it is to focus on our "rights!"

Why do bad things happen to good people? I can't pretend to know all the answers why, but sometimes the result of a trial is that is makes us get our eyes on the One who really matters.

Remember, we're just aliens on a Journey Home. The goal is to take someone with us!

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I'm linking up this post with the community at Soul Survival.