The whole idea of suffering absolutely terrifies me. I'm sure it terrifies you. Suffering is not a fun thing. It's not a happy thing. And yet.... I've been reading a lot about suffering lately. Today in Bible we read about St. Perpetua and her slave girl, both Christians who suffered martyrdom because of their faith. It's a beautiful story, but frightening, when you think about it. The two women, along with other Christians were put into the amphitheater with wild animals and then ultimately died by the sword. And get this, Felicitas, who was the slave girl to Perpetua was pregnant when they were imprisoned. She was concerned that she wouldn't be able to die for her Lord because the law forbade pregnant women from being executed. Fortunately (?) for her, she gave birth two days before the "games" and a Christian family adopted her baby and she was martyred. If it were me, I'd be looking for a way out, and she had it, but didn't take it. She didn't want it. Then, we've been reading a very wonderful biography of William Bradford. He was one of the Separatists and the second governor of Plymouth Colony. He left his family in England to go to Holland and then on to America, simply for the privilege to worship God the way he believed was Biblical. He not only suffered the starvation and illness the other Pilgrims suffered, but he lost his precious wife Dorothy shortly upon arrival in America and then he himself got sick and lost all his possessions when the Common House that was also a hospital caught fire. Eventually he did remarry and had a family and earned much respect as a wise governor. But, I look at these people and see that their suffering was not arbitrary or by chance. St. Perpetua was a noblewoman, who, had she only recanted her faith, could have lead a life of ease and happiness. William Bradford was born into a good family and could have gone into the family business, but his family were strong Church of England people. So, Bradford chose his faith over all that and suffered much hardship because of that choice. Now, I know that Christians are not being put to the sword in our country. And, I also know that I can pretty much decide how and where I want to worship. But, I also know that a lot of times I make decisions not based on conviction of what I believe, but rather on what is most comfortable for me. I don't want to put myself out, or work too hard, or whatever. And those inconveniences don't even come close to suffering. In my morning devotions, I've gotten to the part in Matthew 10 where Jesus is warning His disciples of the persecution they will suffer on account of Him. But, this is how Jesus comforts His disciples...
"Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. " (English Standard Version)
And this is what Matthew Henry, in his wonderful commentary says regarding this..."Note, it is the duty and interest of Christ's disciples, not to fear the greatest of their adversaries. They who truly fear God, need not fear man; ... Be the times never so difficult, enemies never so outrageous, and events never so threatening, yet need we not fear, yet will we not fear, though the earth be removed, while we have so good a God, so good a cause, and so good a hope through grace.
A good reason against this fear, taken from the limited power of the enemies; they kill the body, that is the utmost their rage can extend to; ... they are not able to kill the soul, nor to do it any hurt, and the soul is the man. ... The soul is killed when it is separated from God and his love, which is its life, and is made a vessel of his wrath; now this is out of the reach of their power. Tribulation, distress, and persecution may separate us from all the world, but cannot part between us and God, cannot make us either not to love him, or not to be loved by him, Rom_8:35, Rom_8:37. "
And so, as I think of the decisions I make regarding my faith, I hope I have the courage to step out and act on my convictions regardless of the suffering that may come and cling to the promises of God made to those He loves.
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