July 5, 2009 Brotherhood Of Suffering
Today’s Bible Reading: Hosea 2,3,4,5; Hebrews 2
Scripture Focus:
Hebrews 2:10-11 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. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren
Observation:
These verses connects sanctification—the process whereby we become more and more like Jesus—with suffering. Jesus, the captain of our salvation, was made perfect through sufferings, and he counts those who suffer as part of a brotherhood, kindred souls.
Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:12 that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Application:
Many Christians around the word suffer for their profession of faith. In America, Christians are wimps in comparison.
I don’t like to suffer. I don’t know of anyone who does, but it’s undeniable that some parts of character can only be learned through suffering. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice. He suffered for me. Am I willing to suffer for Him?
Prayer:
Father God, I’m not asking for suffering, but I do want you to mature me as a Christian. Help me endure whatever suffering comes my way.
