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“Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.” (Hebrews 11:35, NIV)

Every follower of Jesus should read the entirety of chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews to grasp the fact that current-day faithfulness does not guarantee current-day success.

While it is true that God blesses His faithful ones, we err when we begin to think that these “rewards” all come in this life; or at times when we think we would derive the most benefit from them. Some rewards — like some punishments, for reasons known only to God — are reserved for life after life.

To be a true person of faith requires that we continue to believe (and act in accordance with that belief) although we have yet to receive that for which we hope. It is not always an easy day.

However, as the writer of Hebrews assures us in verse 1: This is what the ancients were commended for by God. – Luther

Tagged discipleship, faith, faithfulness, reward and punishment, the book of Hebrews

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“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2 Timothy 2:3-6, NIV)

Suffering.

It is an inextricable part of Christian discipleship. As Paul explains in what was one of his last letters before his death while in captivity and awaiting trial in Rome: A soldier must focus on the mission; athletes must compete according to the rules of the game; and the hardworking farmer reaps the benefits of his labor. In other words: No cross; no crown.

No reasonable person seeks persecution and suffering, and the Christian disciple is no exception here. However, while others try everything within their power to avoid, evade, and to escape pain and suffering; we “please our commanding officer” by joining Him in suffering for truth and righteousness; and we are an example for others of what ought to be, when we share in the sufferings of others.

If others seek “happiness” in the dogged pursuit of a life without suffering; the Christian disciple knows that enduring joy and purpose is found only through suffering in fellowship with Christ.

Whether you are a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, a student, a merchant. . . reflect on the what it means to share the sufferings of others, and the Lord will give you insight. – Luther

Tagged christianity, discipleship, divine partnership, faith, God, jesus, obedience, suffering, the book of 2 Timothy

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“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV)

When we are presented with an opportunity to obey God’s word, do we demur by looking at the messenger instead of the message?

The Christians in Thessalonica were commended by Paul in today’s scripture because they obeyed the word of God as they heard it — even when it came through fallible folk like Paul.

God is continuously speaking. Often, through nature. Often, through His people. Often, through our situation. Often, through unexpected messengers.

Don’t embrace the words of the devil because it appears to us in robes; and don’t dismiss the words of Jesus because He appears to us in rags. As a disciple of Jesus, be discerning. – Luther

Tagged discernment, discipleship, the book of 1 Thessalonians