But to the Degree
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But to the Degree
The apostle Peter really committed his life to the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Peter had experienced the depths of the meaning of being totally forgiven of all his sins. When Jesus forgave Peter for his fearful denial at Jesus’ trial, Peter realized what a shame it was to not trust God. Never again would he be afraid of standing up for the truth. Peter became so fearless of the evils in this world that he even accepted being crucified upside down for the sake of the gospel.
Peter’s bold preaching can be seen in his writings as he encourages Christians to totally live for Christ in all their ways. Peter openly told them that they would have to suffer when they dared to speak the truth about salvation in Christ Jesus. Peter did not want his fellow believers to be surprised or fearful, so he wrote in 1 Peter 4:12-14,
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The “fiery ordeal” these early Christians faced included imprisonment, beatings, stoning, and the lions in the coliseum. There are Christians in parts of the world today who face similar tortures. They know they cannot deny the truth of salvation in Christ alone.
We most likely have a different “degree” of suffering — if, in fact, we are actually living in God’s truths. In whatever manner we bear suffering for Christ, we can and should rejoice. When we gladly stand up for Christ and bear the snide remarks of others, or a lower grade in the classroom, or the cold shoulder, or whatever it is that is intended to hurt us, we will have more reason than ever to rejoice when Jesus comes and reveals all of His glory.
There will come a day when “every knee will bow” (Isaiah 45:23) and admit that Jesus is Lord over all. Every single person who has been hateful and angry towards the LORD will come and worship Him for who He is.
Let us give ourselves reason to be rejoicing greatly on that day, as we enjoy the wondrous glory of our Savior, who has humbled Himself to suffer and die for our sins.
If we are reviled and mocked today for our faith, we are greatly blessed because others are “seeing” the glory of God in our lives. They might not like seeing Jesus living in our hearts, but that is something they will have to deal with.
As our faith is tested, we rejoice and say, “Hallelujah! Lord Jesus, You have proven Your power over all things — even over life and death. Help us to keep our eyes on You and Your glorious power, so that we may rejoice in every trial we need to face.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods
This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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