Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
Scripture: Acts 5:41 " So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name."
Observation: Rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer shame. The Greek word for shame (atimazo) means "dishonorable treatment" , but it was far more than that! They were thrown in prison and beaten ( flogged until their skin came off). And for what? For telling the truth about Jesus. In Acts 4 they told us they couldn't help themselves- they HAD to talk about what they had seen and heard. They weren't rejoicing about their mistreatment- they were rejoicing because it brought them closer to Jesus.
Application: Here in the United States we have no concept of what it means to suffer for our faith. Next week I will travel to India to spend 5 days alongside believers who actually have been rejected by family, beaten, and imprisoned for their faith. It is a humbling experience. And yet, friends here have told me that I am making a great sacrifice- financial expense, 19 hours in airplanes, strange food, the dangers of Calcutta. Like I said, we have no concept of what it means to suffer for our faith.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for believers around the world who truly sacrifice their lives so that others can know the truth of Christ and the love of God. Give me the opportunity today to tell someone about You.
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