Do You Really?
The Fellowship of His Sufferings
I recently posted a thought on facebook about how I would like to have a ministry like the Apostle Paul, without the pain he suffered of course. In II Corinthians chapter 11, verse 23-28, Paul defends his apostleship by outlining to us the distinguishing characteristics of his ministry. And to my surprise, he did not name the gifts of the spirit he may have had, or the working of miracles or the size crowds he preached to. This is how we define greatness. Paul defined it quite differently. Let’s see: more stripes than he could count, in prison frequently, at the point of death often, beaten with rods, stoned, suffered shipwreck, constant perils, weariness, painfulness, hunger, thirst, cold and naked. Still want the ministry of the Apostle Paul? Still think you are quite an asset to God’s kingdom? In the book of Phillipians, Paul refers to this as “the fellowship of His sufferings!”
I am desirous to know Him in the power of His resurrection, but the added dimension of Paul’s ministry was due to the things he was willing to suffer for the knowledge of Jesus Christ. No one wants to suffer hardship. But when you do, count it all joy. For this too, is a part of knowing Jesus Christ and having an effective ministry.
One Moment Please
For there is no greater treasure than a true friend...
Consider the bounty of God's riches...
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace...
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil!
His peace, we have always!
Experiencing hunger or becoming thirsty is not an unusual event. It is a natural process whereby the human body obtains the sustenance it needs in order to live. I can over eat one day and feel certain I won't be hungry for a week, and yet I find myself looking for something to eat the very next day. It doesn't take a miracle to get God's attention, or to intervene in your life. Jesus said, If you will hunger and thirst after righteousness, you shall be filled. It's easy and it's natural. If you want a greater relationship with God, He is more than happy to comply. All it takes is an appetite for the things of God. I promise you that if you will take the time to allow your soul to express it's desire for God, He will fill you to running over. It won't take a miracle. Just an appetite.
Jesus admonishes us to be wise as serpents yet harmless as lambs. This makes sense until you think about it. These are two conflicting attributes. The same lessons we learn through experience and gain wisdom, can also make us hard and unbelieving. The more we know, the more we usually become inflexible. Another paradox Jesus puts forth is that we grow into maturity and spiritual adulthood, yet we are to be as little children. Again, these would appear to be conflicting attributes. How do we become wise, yet remain harmless and how do we become spiritual adults, yet remain as little children in our spirit? I believe it can only be achieved through prayer and spiritual renewal. Through prayer and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, our spirit is submitted to God and humbled which allows us to be harmless as children in our spirit. This will help us to understand and exhibit the greatest virtue of the Lord Jesus Christ, LOVE! "By this, will all men know that you are my disciples, that you love one another."
Perfect love cast out fear. What a statement! The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. We have God’s love and His love is perfect. So the obvious question is this, why do we at times fear? The answer is found in the word, “perfect”. God’s love is perfect, but the Greek rendering of this word implies “to reach it’s end, or finished.” His love is not a work in progress, but we are a work in progress. When we see the end of His love and know the depth of God’s love, we will become less insecure about our relationship with Him. Perfect love, God’s love is in a never ending process of teaching us the unlimited degree that God cares for us. No parent ceases to love their children even when their children are grown and on their own. If we as parents love our children unconditionally, why do we find it difficult to believe that God’s love exceeds the love that we have one for another. This knowledge does not make me want to take advantage of God’s love, or to stretch it’s limits, but instead, it causes me to strive the more so not to grieve His great love for me. If I allow His love to be perfected in my life, not only will I seek to serve Him more diligently, but I can say goodbye to fear, for His perfect love will cast it out.
The word of God asks us a very profound and important question: “What is life” and then it answers the question by saying, “It is even a vapor, which is here for a moment and then passes away. I believe this question is intended to cause us to reflect on our priorities and our focus in life. Something that is described as a vapor should not be our all consuming passion. A vapor is not real, nor lasting. So temporary by nature, it does not merit so much time and attention. Life is demanding, frustrating, always challenging, and often very rewarding, BUT IT IS ONLY A VAPOR! In view of eternity, it passes like a puff of smoke. Should we not therefore place a greater emphasis on eternity? Eternity is reality! It last forever! It never ends. The startling truth is this: where you and I spend eternity depends on what we do with the span of time the Bible calls: “only a vapor!”
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” The first word He used to describe who He is, was “the way.” This denotes a progression or a direction. It implies that the christian life is a journey. It is not a destination we reach and say “I’m here” but it is to be a continual pursuit. The christian life is not a parking lot which implies our progress has stopped but it is instead a road, which implies a journey. When God spoke to Cornelius concerning knowing more about Him, He instructed him to send for a specific man in a specific house located on a specific street or road. I believe this was just a little reminder to us all that if we want to learn more about God that truth is on a road, not parking lot. A road is made for travel, progress for those who are on a journey. A parking lot is where we park our cars when we have reached out destination. Our christian walk is to be a continual process. We are to always be on a journey for more truth and a greater experience with God. Paul received a greater revelation of God while on the “road” to Damascus. He was on a journey. He didn’t know all he needed to know about God, but at least he wasn’t living his life in park. He was “pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling.” Are you living your life in park or are you still pursuing “the way?” There may be much you feel you don’t know about God but remember, Jesus is the “way.” It is a journey! Stay on the road to truth and Jesus will tell you what you need to know.