Join in the Suffering

Scripture: Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8

Observation: Writing from prison in Rome, Paul urges Timothy - and by this letter, all believers - to join with him "in suffering for the gospel" if that is what is required for the courage to spread the good news of Jesus.

He understands well that many people don't just resist the good news, but even fight against it, and that therefore telling the good news brings hardships. He also knows that some believers, who still do believe in Jesus and worship the Lord, yet take measures to avoid hardships and punishment, even to the point of keeping their distance from associating with Paul (he calls out the church leaders in Asia for this in v15). Yet he encourages true believers to not only not avoid hardships, but to embrace them if they do in fact come upon you. He knows that these hardships can be part of the Lord's plan to advance the gospel, as was true even in this immediately circumstance as Paul's imprisonment was part of a motion to bring faith to the entire Roman empire and eventually the totality of the "western world".

Application: I have said this before ... I believe persecution and hardships lie in store for American Christians within my lifetime. I have experienced minor persecution, and seen how matters of belief are now regarded by our society. It will get worse.

Who will join with Paul in this suffering for the gospel? While I don't want to suffer, I will never forsake Jesus, and I will stand and acknowledge my faith in any circumstance. There will come a time when doing so will bring some kind of judgement and punishment upon me ... I am willing to receive that, for I agree with Paul that I will not be ashamed of Jesus nor his testimony that lives within me, and I will rely on the power of the Lord in all things.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again, I do not look forward to nor want to receive persecution for my faith in you. However, I know I already have to a small degree, I know more is coming, and I will not be afraid. May thy will be done until the day of your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.