JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF THE SON (Series)
-through the eyes of John
Embracing the Father’s Suffering
John Chapter 18:11
We live in a wonderful nation, the land of opportunity. It is not perfect, but compared to what other people have to go through in the world, we are blessed. Yet, despite our blessings; spiritually our nation compared to other nations (whom suffer greatly) is on decline. Our good fortunes have caused us to seek being comfortable more than seeking the will of the Father. It seems people whom suffer tend to be more willing to live sacrificially, than those whom seem to have it all. The Preaching in our mainstream denominations focus primarily on financial prosperity, self-help, motivation; rather than on the cross of Jesus Christ. Whatever suffering we experience we blame on Satan or question ourselves if we are in sin.
Now suffering was experienced in the bible from beginning to end, the children of Israel went through much suffering, were even made slaves for over four hundred years, we see the Prophets suffered, many were even martyred, we see the Apostles suffered, Paul was stoned nearly to death, shipwrecked twice, nearly drowned in a flood, his back slashed numerous times with whips, the History of Christianity is marked mostly by suffering, and Jesus Himself suffered more than anyone else. So, do we in America believe that our Christianity can be void of suffering?
Joh 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given Me?"
None of us should want to suffer; Jesus Himself did not want to suffer, but we must not run away from it either. We must realize that just because we are in America does not mean than we will be without suffering. That just like Jesus our heart should be willing to follow the Father’s will despite the discomfort, pain, and agony that it might entail.
Luk 22:42-44 "Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine." Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him. He prayed more fervently, and He was in such agony of spirit that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
Our kingdom is not of this world, and is in direct conflict with the kingdoms of this world. As long as we are seeking first His kingdom and it’s righteousness, suffering cannot be avoided.
Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of Heaven is taken by violence, and the violent take it by force.
Democracy is a good government, but it is not the kingdom of God, and is in conflict with the will of Heaven. If we are truly going to follow God we will face persecution. Christianity in America is based on our church attendance, community involvement, offering amount, but not on following the will of the Father. We serve God to the degree of our convenience. Self-sacrifice is not a characteristic of an American Christian, but it is the characteristic of a true follower of Christ.
The God we serve I believe is an American Idol we have made up on our own. God’s guidance goes as far as the lifestyle of comfort that we want to live. If we are going to have the heart of the Son, we must be willing to embrace the Father’s suffering. One cannot expect to walk in obedience and be void of suffering. Obedience and suffering go together hand in hand.
1Pe 4:12-19 Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. [On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.] If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.
It is not the lack of suffering that makes us different than the world; it is long-suffering, the fruit of the spirit, which is the grace to endure, that sets us apart. The world turns to alcohol, drugs, smoking, pornography, sexual immorality, material things, etc. to deal with suffering. While we continue to have joy, be at peace, and love others, this is how we stand out, as a lighthouse in the midst of the storm, so that no man will be without excuse for not coming into the light.
2Ti 3:12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
As we look at the History of Christianity during times of immense suffering is when Christianity grew the most. Can we pray this prayer, Lord whatever it takes for this nation to follow your will, so be it, in Jesus Name!
Application: Let’s examine this week how we deal with personal suffering, (trials, heartaches, discomforts, etc.) and what type of testimony does it leave the world.
Can our lives be marked out by this passage of scripture?
Heb 11:33-39 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, [some were tested,] and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.