“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
1 Peter 4:12-13
Apostle Peter was writing to Christians who were suffering for their faith in Jesus, as many of those early Christians had to suffer terribly. Some of the Christians who saw their brothers and sisters suffering for their Christian faith were fearful of what they too might have to suffer. Apostle Peter wrote this letter to encourage them to stay true and not give up in the midst of their suffering for Jesus’ sake.
Notice that we’re not to ‘think it is strange’ when we suffer for the sake of the Lord Jesus. I suspect that one of the greatest reasons we fail to have joy in times of suffering for Christ is because we think such suffering is strange or unfair. We think that, if we are sincere, faithful followers of the Lord Jesus, we shouldn’t have to suffer for it. But we have to get over the idea that such suffering is a strange thing. In fact, it would be rather strange if we didn’t suffer persecution for following Jesus in this dark and fallen world.
There is great honor in suffering for our Savior. We should receive it as a privilege to do so. One of the most remarkable examples of this is found in Acts 5:41. When the apostles were arrested for preaching to the people, they were beaten by the Jewish officials and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus any longer.
Thus, we should adjust our attitude by rejoicing to the extent that we share in our beloved Lord’s sufferings in this world.
Further Study: Acts 5:41-42, Luke 12:35-38, Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 4:14-16
Charge: Rejoice when you been persecuted for the Christ sake because crowns await you in heaven.
Remain joyful.
