S138P5 – To suffer gladly: only the worthy
Acts 5:38-42
“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So [the officers] took [Gamaliel’s] advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
We have heard and read the story of Peter’s denial of knowing Christ. His Lord had been apprehended, and his suffering had begun. Peter and the other disciples were in quite a state. Not too long before then, Peter had told Jesus that he would never deny him. This disciple professed even to face death before denying Jesus. His Lord would predict that very denial, and incredibly accurately, and Peter would see that event unfold. Doubtless, his denial was the result of fear and self-preservation, at least in part. That is the perspective of one who wonders why he must endure this suffering as if it is something negative. Yet, as we see here, his perspective changed.
Peter had been imprisoned with other disciples, and then a miracle occurred. An angel opened the prison doors, and they walked out of there without opposition. Right away, they went back to teaching in the temple as instructed. When it was discovered that these disciples had escaped imprisonment, they were brought before the council, and the disciples went willingly. The result would not be further imprisonment but a mere beating and instruction not to speak of Christ anymore. Instead of fear or self-pity or questions, Peter found joy in this trial. He along with the other disciples understood the privilege it is to suffer for the name of Christ. That joy made them leave the presence of those men and continue sharing the gospel message.
Motivational speakers will tell us to view the hardships of life not as obstacles but as opportunities. The concept is not new, although so often misplaced. When the word of God speaks of the value of the trial, it is rooted in his finding us worthy to suffer for him. We can view our trials as something we have to do or something we get to do. It is a position of privilege that we are allowed to occupy because of his grace. Peter saw both sides of this, and he learned that our sufferings for Christ should fuel our fire to suffer more joyfully. Father, give us an understanding of the joy of the trial, and count us worthy of suffering for your name’s sake.