October 12 | 1 Peter 3:17-18

5 days ago

3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Suffering for the Name

By Dave Mann

None of us wants to suffer. But in the New Testament, we find that to suffer for the name of Jesus is part of the normal Christian life. It is a privilege to suffer because we are associated with Jesus. The theme of suffering for Jesus is not an obscure teaching. We find this message throughout the New Testament.

Jesus’ Teaching in the Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:11-12 -- Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Apostle Paul

Philippians 1:29-30 -- For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.

2 Timothy 2:3 -- Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:12 -- In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

The Apostle Peter

1 Peter 1:17--For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 4:12-16 -- Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.… If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Luke’s Account of the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 5:40-42 – The [leaders] called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

The Vision of the Apostle John

Revelation 6:9 -- I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.

The Apostle James

James 5:10 -- Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.

The present generation of believers in this country has been spared suffering for the name of Jesus. However, in other parts of the world, those who believe in Christ know what it means to suffer for the Name. I also believe that we have already seen early signs that we will see persecution in the West before long. May the Lord grant us favor to be ready to embrace the privilege to join Christ in suffering.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, you who sent your own Son to suffer the supreme mockery and persecution to work our salvation on the cross. Thank you that you have joined us to the name of Jesus Christ in our baptism. May we be honored to walk with you through whatever life brings us in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of seven. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.