Thursday, April 13

Thursday, April 13

Reading:  Acts 5:41-42

Key Verse: Acts 5:41 (NIV) — 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Devotional Thought:  Rejoicing in suffering seems to defy all logic.  Who gets pleasure out of pain?  Is this some sort of spiritual masochism?

It’s really not the pain that brings them joy--it’s the fact that this pain connects them to the one who suffered the ultimate pain. With every blow, every insult, every slur the apostles are reminded that they are in the company of Jesus. And that brings them joy.

Suffering, struggles, and pain are derivatives of commitment, dedication, and allegiance.  There is no cause that succeeds without sacrifice and there is no satisfaction without commitment.  Suffering is part and parcel of a life of discipleship.

The apostles call us to see our suffering not as a negative but as a reminder of our commitment to a cause so big that we’re willing to take it on the chin.  A life of ease seldom is a life well-lived.  The apostles believe in something big, and big causes always carry a big price tag.  But more than that, big causes with big price tags result in big lives.  And that’s something to rejoice over.  

Action:  Have you been avoiding big spiritual things in your life because of the big price tag? Be willing to put it on the line for Jesus, and, when suffering comes, be reminded that this is an indication of your commitment – and rejoice!