Matthew 7:13-14

Enter in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and straight is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. ~ Matthew 7:13-14

Monday, December 28, 2009

The Fellowship of His Suffering

Jesus suffered greatly . He was falsely accused, persecuted, rejected, beaten and hung on a cross where He was mocked and spit at and told that his bleeding and suffering - that THEY inflicted upon Him - was proof that He wasn't the Messiah and that His ministry was a sham.

If something like this has happened to you then you are in good company. If you have stepped out in faith and given it your all only to be told you are a buck short and a day late then - Rejoice and be glad! Your reward in Heaven is great for so they persecuted the prophets before you.

That, Beloved, is what is known as the fellowship of His suffering. Jesus cried real tears, shed real blood and felt real pain in body and in soul. His persecutors felt nothing but contempt for His suffering and showed no mercy or compassion, remorse or repentence. They threw out of their "righteous" fellowship the Son of God whom they claimed to be eagerly expecting any day. This they did because they didn't know the Father who sent Him. Most of these were people doing what they believed to be the work of God. And in order to accomplish that work, they felt fully justified to spit on, mock, humiliate, betray and kill - in the name of God. "These people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me". And "whatever you have done to the least of these, MY brethren, you have done to me."

Its an explanation, a reason - but iniquity still remains a mystery and always will - to God's children. Remember to pray for those who persecute you and bless those who curse you and spitefully use you. This is all that is required of you, the Lord will do the rest.

May the Lord bless and keep you in His holy presence in 2010 and always.

Much love,
Dennis & Wendy