HAPPY MONDAY!
The early church brings us today’s word-or-the-week…
REJOICING
The apostles were called in front of the Sanhedrin and ordered to stop proclaiming the gospel.
To reinforce the point, the men were flogged before they were released. Of course the apostles defied the rulers and continued to preach, but I’m stuck on this little verse.
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (Acts 5:41)
Rejoicing…after being flogged. I’m not sure I could do that. Could you?
It’s awfully easy to pray for persecuted Christians from the safety of American religious freedom. And it’s awfully easy, in the safety of American religious freedom, to label any perceived slight as persecution.
But how many of us would sign up to be flogged…and then rejoice?
Following Jesus isn’t always the safe, easy deal we make it out to be. It’s unlikely I’ll ever be flogged because of my faith. But this incident has me wondering. I hope I’d be courageous if I had to stand for my beliefs.
I’m not sure I’d rejoice.
It’s Monday. Maybe it’s a good week to pray for those who face religious persecution…and to be grateful.
Have a great week!
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