The suffering and persecution of Christ during His public ministry
I can't even be sure I can handle this topic as woefully inadequate I am in my own feeble walk with Christ. I am convinced it is imperative in light of today's often emotional charismatic events; because I notice conspicuous absence of lamenting due to sorrow over His suffering particularly in light of the fact that we were the cause of it. I want to make sure I cover it properly and take my time; so pray for me as I endeavor to tackle this most sobering lesson.
I also need to say that; as with any other concept the opposite error we can make is to somehow think there is some warranting to perpetuate this suffering through our own "saintly" actions of penitance and sacrifice; or undertaking any concept that He is somehow still suffering for us rather than victoriously at the throne of God awaiting His command to return for His church and later at Armageddon to come as conquering King. I am reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote from the other day that I stated. The Lord is coming back as absolute judge and victor and we all will bow down before Him; either we fall on the Rock or it crushes us. Look to Daniel and the vision of Nebuchadnezzar of the statue representing all kingdoms being destroyed in this way with no traces remaining and no remedy or hope for that old world to return.
Let me begin with a laundry list of all He faced.
Resistance from His own family (seen when He was 12 and with the later comment posted here; nonetheless His mother in particular along with other women were the most faithful at His greatest time of need). It does demonstrate that she was NOT perfect and sinless; however.
Resistance from those in His own hometown
Resistance from other towns He demonstrated His miraculous works in
Thanks. We just had an evening service where brother Steve discussed the balance of the love of Christ and preaching about judgment and he mentioned how sitting at the foot of the cross whittles us all down to size realizing how great a love He had for us when we were yet sinners.
It seems a lot of folks only look at the cross and not at all the other things Christ went through before that. Some look to the 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness in the fast; although Moses actually had to do this TWICE because of Israel's rebellion through supernatural strength. Whether he ate in between no man knows.
There is sort of a discontinuity here; or an unknown place where we can separate suffering from persecution. We can say dogmatically that Christ never sinned hence nothing of his own doing contributed to his miseries; we see that He only said what the Father told Him to say hence knew when not to say things and taught others that as well in regard to not broadcasting certain miracles especially at the onset of His ministry. I won't elaborate but mostly it was to draw away attention from being a great teacher and focusing on forgiveness of sins and of course that could only happen if He was indeed a member of the Godhead.
I am reminded as I write this the verse that says "when I come will there be faith on the earth?" ( Luke 18:18). This looks to when He returns and the justice finally brought to the world's ills in general but addressing those things which we haven't seen answered during our earthly sojourn. That also reminds me of Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
But we have a heavenly place to go to; the alternative being; sadly hell. Having spiritual discernment isn't easy; perhaps you can also pray I learn to use that gift for His glory as many don't want to hear.
Dear grace brother in Christ "Richard H Priday". Imortant thoughts. I will lift you up to the Lord. And many more with me I'll think. Stay strong in the Lord Jesus, see Him, and flow in the Holy Spirit. You know this. Belive He can, not anyone else. We cant do anything. We have to test all things in the Spirit to recognize the Lord and His will. Then we know what to do. And remember, be always glad. Acts 4:23-31 love u.
Dear friend. Thanks for the answer and you're right, I was probably a little eager to contribute. And then it gets a little weird. Sorry. I don't have the patience of an angel to teach. Since I am far too impulsive in most of what I do. We are all so different! Isn't that good? Some people for encouragement, some people for reflection, some people for inspiration and so on. I don't know if you can exactly define a person as I am often perceived, but I try. (super optimist) Of course I have learned a few lessons. Since we are these different people in God's universe. So there is only one thing to hold on to. What you first learned from Him. What may not always be what you yourself want, but because the Lord wants. We can resist for a long time. Then I think of Jonah and others. I found out early on with the Lord that before a test, I always found a lot of obstacles. Absolutely terrible in fact! There are stories I don't even want to mention. But this is where I stood against. Never proud, but humble and trembling. Because it is right before God. John 7:17 became my words. And to remind all of you who take the time to read. Then there is never a mistake, that is when we learn to walk with the Lord. It is much worse not to try and do a good deed for the Lord. We are not talking about the flesh now. For in the flesh live those who act from their own ambitions, their own interests, those who want to defend themselves. For the Lord knows the heart and knows what lives in ours. It cannot fail. He is always with us. If anyone should think that one should make such a mistake that their name would be erased from the Book of Life. Can one believe that the Lord does not defend His children? Takes them home before the children can perish. Of course He can! Therefore we live in a time Grace upon grace. Because He is in control. Got some nice words for you today "Richard H Priday". Believe it or not, I've tested them. Mark 11:20-24 Not my will but the Lord's will, Amen Christ love
I don't want to lose sight here of the fact that for the love of the Father Jesus did all this; and for the joy of seeing the labors that He did (See Isaiah 53:11). I may be too bogged down in His suffering; my hope is that when we feel wiped out and are stressed more we can look to the Spirit to strengthen us. I also want to look at the spiritual battles as evidence we are His children and of course the fact that the war is won already.
I can't even be sure I can handle this topic as woefully inadequate I am in my own feeble walk with Christ. I am convinced it is imperative in light of today's often emotional charismatic events; because I notice conspicuous absence of lamenting due to sorrow over His suffering particularly in light of the fact that we were the cause of it. I want to make sure I cover it properly and take my time; so pray for me as I endeavor to tackle this most sobering lesson.
I also need to say that; as with any other concept the opposite error we can make is to somehow think there is some warranting to perpetuate this suffering through our own "saintly" actions of penitance and sacrifice; or undertaking any concept that He is somehow still suffering for us rather than victoriously at the throne of God awaiting His command to return for His church and later at Armageddon to come as conquering King. I am reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote from the other day that I stated. The Lord is coming back as absolute judge and victor and we all will bow down before Him; either we fall on the Rock or it crushes us. Look to Daniel and the vision of Nebuchadnezzar of the statue representing all kingdoms being destroyed in this way with no traces remaining and no remedy or hope for that old world to return.
Let me begin with a laundry list of all He faced.
Resistance from His own family (seen when He was 12 and with the later comment posted here; nonetheless His mother in particular along with other women were the most faithful at His greatest time of need). It does demonstrate that she was NOT perfect and sinless; however.
Resistance from those in His own hometown
Resistance from other towns He demonstrated His miraculous works in
Resistance from the Pharisees
Resistance from the "lawyers"
Resistance from His own Disciples
and finally; perhaps most disturbing
Resistance from the crowds at large at the end.
It seems a lot of folks only look at the cross and not at all the other things Christ went through before that. Some look to the 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness in the fast; although Moses actually had to do this TWICE because of Israel's rebellion through supernatural strength. Whether he ate in between no man knows.
There is sort of a discontinuity here; or an unknown place where we can separate suffering from persecution. We can say dogmatically that Christ never sinned hence nothing of his own doing contributed to his miseries; we see that He only said what the Father told Him to say hence knew when not to say things and taught others that as well in regard to not broadcasting certain miracles especially at the onset of His ministry. I won't elaborate but mostly it was to draw away attention from being a great teacher and focusing on forgiveness of sins and of course that could only happen if He was indeed a member of the Godhead.
I am reminded as I write this the verse that says "when I come will there be faith on the earth?" ( Luke 18:18). This looks to when He returns and the justice finally brought to the world's ills in general but addressing those things which we haven't seen answered during our earthly sojourn. That also reminds me of Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
But we have a heavenly place to go to; the alternative being; sadly hell. Having spiritual discernment isn't easy; perhaps you can also pray I learn to use that gift for His glory as many don't want to hear.
Agape. Rich P
Thanks for the love and encouragement.
Agape; Rich P
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