the Rev. Henry Huenemann
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
Bible Reading
2 Timothy 3:Devotional
All suffering is caused by sin. If there were no sin, there would be no suffering. But some people bring suffering upon themselves directly. Some people sin against the laws of health, and get sick. Some commit crimes and must bear the punishment. That is their own fault. Some suffering comes to us in the way of providence for our chastening and correction, like the suffering of Job for instance. It is an evidence of God's love. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." But some suffering is the direct result of our faithfulness to Jesus. In such suffering we should rejoice. Jesus says, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Moses chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt." Just be faithful in confessing Christ, and persecution will come, as it comes to all of God's children. But, "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed unto us." Let us then gladly suffer with Christ, that we may also be glorified with him. "These are they that came out of great tribulation."
Prayer
Our Father, when we must pass through trials and persecution, and must suffer wrong, help us to remember that Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. May we remember that He left us an example, that we should follow in his steps. We thank Thee for the promise, that if we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together, and for the assurance that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Help us to be thankful also for the sufferings which we must endure for Christ's sake. In his name we pray. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Heb. 12:6; Matt. 5:11, 12; Acts 5:41; Heb. 12:26; Rom. 8:17, 18; Rev. 7:14.
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