Jan 30 – Perfect Through Sufferings!

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10).

The Scripture clearly teaches us that only through many sufferings, you could be perfected and enter into the kingdom of God. The dearly beloved Son of God came down to earth, for our sakes. And it was found fitting for Father God, to perfect Jesus, the Lord of our salvation, through many sufferings.

The Scripture tells us: “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day” (Mathew 16:21).

Peter was brave and was considered to be chief among the disciples of Christ. Once he took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him, saying: “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”. But the Lord turned toward Peter and said: “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Mathew 16: 21-23).

Man thinks about a comfortable life. But the Lord thinks about a life that is perfected through many sufferings. While man thinks of moving up in life, the Lord thinks about nailing this world on the Cross. While man is desirous of being popular and famous, the Lord is mindful of emptying by pouring Himself on the Cross. Children of God, may the mind of Christ be in you!

The Scripture tells us: ”Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29). Jesus never taught His disciples the life of pleasure and luxury. Right from the beginning, He only prepared them to endure sufferings.

Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Children of God, always bear in mind that Christ who emerged victoriously over the world, is with you through every suffering that you are undergo. Never let any trial or suffering, depart you from the love of God. And progress with joy toward perfection!

Verse for further meditation: “For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2: 11-12).