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April 21 Daily Devotional

Suffering for Christ

the Rev. David Freeman

"And it shall turn to you for a testimony."
     "Luke 21: 13

Devotional

Ever since the gospel of saving grace has been revealed from heaven, there have been men who have suffered for it even with cruel torments and death. Here is how believers in times past gave evidence of their faith " they "had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonments; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder; were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheep-skins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; they wandered in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."

Our Lord told His disciples that persecutions and arrests would surely come upon them, but that this ought not to dishearten, as it should turn to them for a testimony. That is, by their sufferings they would declare more effectively the truth of the Gospel, and the more abundantly would they show forth the power of God.

These same words are for us as well as for all the children of God until Jesus comes. Trials and adversities will offer new occasions to glorify our supporting God.

Should this not cause those who have thought of Christ's religion as an easy way to heaven, to change their minds? The road to the Celestial City is not without difficulties. Many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. Among high professors, some shall perish, and among true believers, some shall be saved "as by fire." "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

No, the way of Christ is not an easy way. We should have a higher view of Christ and His religion, if we could enter into the conflicts of those who have suffered for His sake.

(to be continued)


"Lift Up Your Heart" is a series of devotionals by the late Rev. David Freeman, an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church for most of his life. These devotionals, in fact, are part of the early history of our denomination. The first of them was published in The Presbyterian Guardian in 1935; the denomination now known as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church was officially formed in 1936. We believe that "the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8; see 1 Peter 1:25). Thus it is no surprise that meditations based on that Word have continued relevance today. Dr. Freeman's devotionals are proof of that fact.

David Freeman was a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.B., 1928; Th.M. , 1930) and of Dropsie Univiersity (Ph.D., 1951). He served as pastor at Grace (later New Covenant) Presbyterian Church (OPC), Philadelphia, PA (1936-1946), Knox Presbyterian Church (OPC), Philadelphia, PA (1949-1962), and Grace Presbyterian Church (OPC), Fall River, MA (1962-1967). He authored many articles and (along with his son, David H. Freeman) is the author of the book A Philosophical Study of Religion, which appeared in 1964. He went to be with the Lord in 1984.

There is one change from the way the daily devotional was handled in the past with John Skilton's Think On These Things: New devotionals for the new series appear on weekdays only (Monday through Saturday. It is suggested that you use your pastor's sermon text(s) as the basis for your mediations on the Lord's Day.

We trust that you will find these devotionals, once again made available seventy years after they first appeared, to be a personal help in your own Christian walk today!

 

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