The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Thursday, September 26, 2024

IT’S A GREAT THING TO SUFFER

The Apostles considered it an honor to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus! This statement carries profound significance, revealing the deep connection the early Church had with God. When Jesus declared, "Greater works shall you do," He wasn’t only referring to preaching, teaching, healing, or living a prosperous life. This promise also extended to enduring suffering for His sake. The Apostles rejoiced in their suffering for Christ, viewing it as a great privilege. To them, suffering wasn’t a burden but a noble pursuit. The word "worthy" implies significance, and in this context, it underscores that suffering for Christ is a high calling, demonstrating the true weight of commitment to God's work.

Reject the notion that Christ’s suffering means we are exempt from suffering for Him. If the Apostles had not endured hardship, we might never have heard the gospel. They faced shame, rejection from loved ones, and even death, all to proclaim Christ. The truth is, we are Christians today because someone was willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel! As William Carey once said, “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.” Suffering for Christ is a profound privilege, one we should be eager to embrace. Never be ashamed of Jesus. Don’t choose friendships, relationships, or anything else over the gospel. Jesus is worthy of everything we sacrifice, and He will reward us far beyond anything we think we’ve lost.

Mark 10:28-30 (MSG) “Peter tried another angle: "We left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land - whatever - because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land - but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life!”

Jesus is never a loss; He will give you far more than anything you’ve ever sacrificed or suffered for Him. Choosing Jesus means choosing life—abundant and eternal! He is the Lord of all, and there is no greater honor than to stand unashamed of Him. Choose Christ boldly, and trust that He will always reward your faithfulness.

Confession:

I stand unashamed of the gospel of Christ. I boldly proclaim His name, no matter the opposition or the cost. I will not be silenced or swayed by the opinions of the world. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and I proudly stand for Him in every season of my life. I acknowledge the privilege and honor of enduring challenges and suffering for the sake of Christ. I embrace the path of sacrifice, knowing that in my trials, I am identifying with His suffering and glorifying Him through my perseverance. I count it joy to be part of His story, understanding that all things work for my good and His glory.

Further Reading:

Luke 18:28-30 “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.”

Mark 8:34-38 (MSG) “Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? "If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels."

Read through the Bible in 1 year: Isaiah 48:12-50:11 Ephesians 4:17-32 Psalm 69:1-18 Proverbs 24:5-6

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Neh 3-4 & Ps 83