beaten
times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I
received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was
beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and
a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent
journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen,
dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness,
dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in
labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often
without food, in cold and exposure.
Insights: All one has to do is watch the news or read the newspaper
and one would quickly recognize that we are living in a fallen world. It is a world that is quickly becoming more
perverse, violent and hostile. I believe
if revival and great awakening does not come to America we will see great days
of persecution in our future. The
question we have to ask ourselves is, “Are we ready for such sacrifice?” Paul’s testimony gives us great encouragement
as to how to endure such tragedy. I
fear, however, the churches problem regarding future persecution is this second
area of sacrifice mentioned in today’s verses.
Yesterday, we mentioned that Paul was thought to be a member of the
Sanhedrin. In this position, he had
great comfort and ease. He sacrificed
all of that and endured everything mentioned in verses twenty-six and twenty-seven. The American church is very comfortable. We live in such great wealth in our personal
lives as well in our church lives. If you
will allow me, we have become very spiritually soft. My fear is that when true persecution comes
many in the church will fall away because their faith was not real. I think the only way we can prepare for such
a future is to consistently step outside of our comfort zones. We need to take mission trips and see how the
rest of the world lives and how other Christians serve Jesus. Beloved, Paul endured pain and gave up his
comfort for Jesus. Can we really do
anything less for our Savior and Lord?
Questions:
- Have you begun to discipline your body so that you may
endure possible persecution in the future?
- Are you willing to give up any of your creature
comforts for the gospel?
Prayer: Lord, Scripture
is clear that one day there is going to be great persecution in regards to the
church. It is my prayer Lord, that You
send revival first and allow a great awakening to occur. If, however, it is Your will to allow
persecution to begin, then Lord, I pray You give me the boldness and courage to
remain steadfast for You and bring Your name glory. Amen.
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