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"THE FELLOWSHIP
OF HIS SUFFERINGS"
To effectuate God's ultimate purpose, there exits in this present
lowered creation, many forms of TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS,
SORROWS, SUFFERINGS (Lk.17:25) and AFFLICTIONS (1Ths.3:3)
such as infirmities (Jb.2:7; 2Cor.12:5 -10; Heb.5:2), persecution
(Matt.5:11; 10:22; Jn.15:20), injustice (1Cor.6:7), reproach (Lk.6:22;
1Ptr.4:14), loss of reputation (1Cor.4:10; 2Cor.4:5), shameful
treatment (1Ths.2:2), stripes, imprisonment, death to self-life (2Cor.
4:11; 11:23; 1Cor.15:31; Matt.10:39), physical perils (2Cor.11:25, 26),
even death (Ac.7:51-60), weariness, painfulness, hunger, thirst
(2Cor.11:27) and many other such things - Heb.11:33-39; 1Cor.4:11-
13; 2Tim.3:11-12; Jn.15:18-21. Even the sin of unforgiveness brings
ongoing suffering and torment - Matt.18:34, 35. Yet through it all,
these negatives have a share in bringing forth positive, and ultimately
holy sanctified human character. See our articles entitled
"Compassed With Infirmity" for more details on this truth.
Beloved of the Lord, are you presently being brought into a state of
seeming despair and hopelessness? Are you being "troubled on
every side" (2Cor.4:8; 7:5), perplexed, persecuted, cast down?
Then it is to you primarily, that we bring forth this word. If you can
endure the first bitter taste of this truth, the eating of it shall become
truly sweet and joyful (Rev.10:9, 10; Jer.15:15, 16), and ye shall know
[by experiencing] the truth, and the truth shall set you free - Jn. 8:32.
Know that you need not be overly distressed; you need not be in an
attitude of despair or hopelessness, nor believe that you are being
forsaken or even destroyed - 2Cor.4:8, 9. In actual truth and in
spiritual reality, it is altogether nothing more than a "light affliction
which is but FOR A MOMENT, WORKING FOR US a far more
exceedingly and ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY." 2Cor.4:7.
Meditate on this revelation. Let the sweetness of its honey begin to
cover the sorrow and bitterness of your LIGHT AFFLICTION." Rejoice
that this light weight of affliction is designed and ordained to produce
an "eternal weight of glory" which is an exceedingly "better and
enduring substance" (Heb.10:32-34); a substance which shall forever
remain as glory and never be shaken nor even touched by fire -
Heb.12:26-29.
Oh yes, the flesh would prefer to be in total control of whatever is
happening in our lives. But the sovereign Spirit of God which
worketh in you has another plan and will of His own. True, we as
Christians can surely resist the Spirit's will for a given period. But
shall not eventually "He who has begun a good work in you...perform
it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil.1:6)...even until that glorious day
of your perfection in Him?
Our growth and victory in this present life and even beyond, as is
explained from another perspective in some of our other study
booklets ["Life From the Dead", "Compassed With Infirmity"], truly
depends on how we NOW see and RESPOND to our prison-houses
of so called circumstances - Gal.3:3, 4. Yielding now to the will of
our sovereign Lord and King "pacifieth great offenses." Eccl.10:4.
We have at least two basic ways available to us by which we may
freely respond to any unavoidable or adverse circumstance in our
lives. That is part of the limited free will which we have all been
granted. Remember that Jesus our forerunner refused to call down
the angels, He refused to justify Himself and He refused the hyssop at
His crucifixion. He refused to partake of that which would for the
sake of His flesh relieve His pain and suffering, knowing full well that
enduring crucifixion would result in the promise of a better and more
enduring substance---even a glorified body. His motives and goal
were not for self but for the whole of mankind. Should we who have
been given the right and the power to exercise the mind of Christ,
rightfully have motives and goals that differ?
Firstly, we can choose to respond in a daily death to self-life and in
the ACCEPTANCE OF SUFFERING, especially if it be long term and
seemingly beyond any of our controllable circumstances. We are
assured by the Word of God that these things lead to an eternal
change from our present state of glory unto an exceedingly high and
eternal state of love and glory---even into the glorious likeness and
image of our Lord - 2Cor.3:18. We all need to complete our change
of glory and raiment (Zec.3:4), putting off that old vulnerable and
corruptible nature and putting on the new armour of God (Eph.6:13),
that we may be able to enter unscathed, as firstfruits without blemish
into the full promises and glory of the kingdom of God - 1Cor.15:50;
Eph.5:27.
In order to learn and to grow, to fully become what we are & what He
is, we must be ever willing to take the yoke of Christ [even in the
realm of servitude to suffer if so be it] upon us (Matt.11:29), "Always
bearing about IN THE BODY, the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life
also of Jesus might be MANIFEST [even now to an extent] IN OUR
BODY. For we which live ARE ALWAYS DELIVERED UNTO
DEATH FOR JESUS SAKE, that [ultimately] the life also of Jesus
might be made [fully] manifest IN OUR MORTAL FLESH." 2Cor.4:10
-11. Then shall our mortal bodies be totally quickened by His Spirit
(Ro.8:11) becoming "like unto His glorious body." Phil.3:21.
The apostle Paul, being among the first to understand, believe and
walk in this truth, could truthfully say, "I die daily." 1Cor.15:31. In
order to do this, it was God's purpose to afflict Paul with "a thorn IN
THE FLESH, a messenger of Satan" to BUFFET him lest he be
exalted - 2Cor.12:7. We have the same power to say as did Paul..."I
WILL NOT GLORY, BUT IN MY INFIRMITIES." 2Cor.12:5.
Though we may not be called upon to suffer in the same manner as
Paul, nevertheless, we should be learning that God's grace in our
lives is sufficient for us and our real STRENGTH IS BEING MADE
PERFECT THROUGH OUR WEAKNESSES - 2Cor.12:9. Nothing
short of an acceptable newness of life (Ro.6:4) will be accounted
worthy to attain that final conformity to the resurrection power of His
life in the kingdom - Phil.3:10.
As we have mentioned, there is a basic alternative response to all
this. We can respond by resisting or rejecting any or all forms of
suffering as being apart from the will of God in our lives. This choice
of action leads to an attitude of self-preservation (Mk.8:35) wherein
one can actually miss God's PERFECT will for their lives now
(Mk.8:36), as well as for unknown and undetermined times to come.
Murmuring, complaining, resentment, undue frustration, self pity and
depression through out the duration of the trial is often the result or
fruit of this attitude, and blame can be placed upon anything or
anyone rather than face and deal with the true source of the problem.
The resulting sorrows and sufferings become wasted and vain in
negative responses. They only serve to prolong the final results
God would have us attain.
We must ever be careful not to equate our physical state and
whatever condition it my be in with our spiritual state - Jn.9:1-3;
Psa.73; Jb. chptr.2 etc. This is a mistake and only serves to
condemn. Suffering in the flesh is very often needful to give up the
deceptive "love of the world.'' 1Ptr.4:1-3. Life is first of all for
learning agape love, not for anything else. All else is self-centered.
Suffering is ordained as part of the process in bringing about the
death of our self life. It is one thing that enables the love of self to
decrease and the selfless love of God to increase in us.
Does worldly prosperity, success, or perfect health have anything to
do with the ultimate purposes of life? Ecc1.5:10-17. Beloved, there
is hardly a more deceptive doctrine today that hinders true
transformation in God's children, than that of the faith-prosperity
teaching...which although it is of a partial truth, when put forth in an
overbalanced way as it often is ...advocates ultimately as the goal of
this belief, that all children of God should be enjoying the best of
comforts and all other delicacies that the world has to offer in this life.
Often, along with the foregoing false notion is the just as false
teaching that it is not in God's will to suffer in any way whatsoever,
whether it be in matters concerning health, finances, material
possessions and provisions, success in worldly personal endeavors,
or in conforming to society in general. In the religious world the
teaching often is that it is not God's will for a believer to go through
many kinds of tribulation, and most certainly not through such great
tribulation such as is spoken of in Matt. chptr.24. Most believers of
the "pre-tribulation rapture" escapist theory might well be surprised as
was Peter, when Jesus rebuked him for his lack of understanding of
the truth concerning suffering, & for the contrary expression of his
thoughts of.."this shall not be unto thee." Jesus replied to the effect
that this was natural, carnal, human reasoning & was offensive to
God - Matt.16:21-25.
Who are we as children of God now, that we should receive any
different than our brethren of the past? Do you suffer in seemingly
undue ways for the love of God and the love of others. If you do,
you most assuredly suffer in the will of God. Observing the lives of
suffering, overcoming saints throughout the ages, teaches us that
ALL the Lord's people are to be accounted as "sheep for the
slaughter." Ro.8:26. When unavoidable circumstances present
themselves, should we not also still be "CHOOSING rather to suffer
afflictions with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin
for a season"? Heb.11:25. Nevertheless it is written, "Because
iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matt.24:12.
And so it happens. But know ye it is also written, "Woe to them that
are at ease in Zion." Amos.6:1; Isa.47:8. "Shall your brethren go to
war & SHALL YE SIT HERE" (Nu.32:6; Josh.18:3), sitting at ease in
Zion?
Is suffering always God's perfect will in every situation. Of course
not! Suffering and even martyrdom is not necessarily always God's
perfect will but it can be especially if it is not just in the realm of giving
up in defeat. Those who are at ease in Zion and always seek to
avoid the will of God to go through the battles of tribulation, shall
surely not be amongst those that are granted to sit with Christ in His
throne. Rather, it shall be granted to those who FOR HIS NAME'S
SAKE, go through the tribulations of this life on earth and overcome
EVEN AS HE OVERCAME - Rev.3:21; Matt. 20:25-28.
Are we to wear His crown of righteousness without first putting an His
crown of thorns? Many who feel in their hearts that "my lord
delayeth His coming" (Matt.24:48) shall begin to strive and likewise
suffer hardships along with WASTED sorrows, only "to obtain a
corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."1Cor.9:25.
How many of us in an sufferings have heard that voice in our flesh
suggesting to us that we are not pleasing to God in our pain or
affliction, or that we cannot endure the hardships, or that it is
impossible to thank God or praise Him for it? These thoughts are
lies from Satan. Much human suffering is not without a great
purpose. We realize, God in His mercy and for His reasons alone,
can and does, grant the faith necessary to heal a few of man's
present afflictions, for healing is in the atonement for all forms of
human depravity as well as well as for spiritual and physical suffering.
But it presently remaineth, "Blessed are they that mourn'' (Matt. 5:4)
for through their humility and through their overcoming and reliance
on Christ in it all, they shall be exalted in due season - Jas.4:8,9;
Ecc.7:2-6.
Now even if you understand little else about pain and physical
suffering, understand this. Certainly IT IS GOD'S WILL TO HEAL
ALL, just as IT IS HIS WILL TO SAVE ALL, but the major fulfillment of
this is reserved for the consummation in the redemption of the body
(Ro.8:23) in whatever order or rank of resurrection is determined
by/for the individual -1Cor.15:22-28. The atonement is complete but
it is being dispensed and dispersed by the Spirit of God in varying
proportions and stages of its completeness [as is faith] unto the final
age.
We must realize and allow that if God does not choose to heal us
immediately according to our natural desire, then He can only be
allowing an infirmity, and is working for us and in us in another way.
If God be for us who can be against us? Ro.8:31, In the meantime,
the Lord wants us to see--that fellowship with Christ in His sufferings
and in ours, not only is the highest form of honour that we can now
receive from God, but trusting and enduring through fiery trials also
produces THE GREATEST FAITH -1Ptr.1:7, 11. It produces even
more faith than a miraculous deliverance would.
The goal of suffering is nothing less than love. Both suffering & love
are the workings of God's will. How can suffering not be a part of
our character building unto godly perfection? Is not God at times
using even physical affliction (1Cor.11:2, 32) to teach man that he
ought to examine himself to see if some area of his life may need
correction? Prv.20:30. This is however, by no means true in every
case! For more detail on the aspect of physical suffering see our
booklet entitled "Compassed With Infirmity".
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for WHEN HE IS
TRIED he shall receive the crown of life, [even the right to reign in the
coming kingdom] which the Lord hath promised to them that love
Him." Jas.1:12. If we really know Christ we will keep His
commandments (1Jn.2:3; Jn.14:21) and if we keep the word of His
commandments we shall abide in His love (Jn.15:10) though we
suffer with Him & His body - 1Cor.12:26.
"He that saith he abldeth in Him ought himself also TO WALK, EVEN
AS HE WALKED'' (1Jn.2:5), and this "because Christ also
SUFFERED for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE THAT YE SHOULD
FOLLOW AFTER HIS STEPS." 1Ptr.2:21. "As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the lord, SO WALK YE IN HIM.'' Col.2:6.
Jesus walked the earth in human flesh to be an EXAMPLE TO US IN
ALL THINGS. (One way this humanity was perfected was through
learning "obedience by the things which He suffered" (Heb.5:8) and
allowed to be so. He was touched with the feeling of our infirmities
and "was in all points tempted [Grk.-tried and tested, not enticed] like
as we are, yet without sin." Heb.4:15. Now therefore, "in that He
Himself hath suffered being tempted [tested], He is able to succor
them that are tempted." Heb.2:18.
Some people have the idea that Christ's suffering on cross was the
only place that He had "borne our griefs [Heb.- sickness, weakness,
pain, distress] and carried our sorrows.."(Isa.53:4) but Matt.8:16, 17
indicates He bore them before the cross during His ministry. Christ
not only went through physical dying on the stake but he also went
through thirty three years of being subject to all forms of sin and death
that are in the world - Heb.2:14, 9; Phil.2:8. So therefore, as it was
fitting for the Father that He should for many sons make the pioneer
and forerunner of our salvation "PERFECT THROUGH
SUFFERINGS" (Heb.2.10), is it also not fitting "that the God of all
grace...AFTER THAT YE HAVE SUFFERED FOR A WHILE, MAKE
YOU PERFECT (1Ptr.5:10) in like manner through sufferings--all the
while establishing, strengthening & settling you into His glory?"
In the meanwhile, let us "be rejoicing in hope; PATIENT IN
TRIBULATION; continuing instant in prayer" allowing the fruit of
"patience to have her PERFECT WORK that ye may be PERFECT
and entire wanting nothing'' (Jas.1:4), all the while "knowing that THE
TRYING OF YOUR FAITH [in all manner of suffering and
TRIBULATION] WORKETH PATIENCE" (Jas.1:3), even while in the
midst of "divers temptations." Let us learn to glory in our tribulation
"knowing that TRIBULATION WORKETH PATIENCE; & patience
experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed."
Ro.5:2-5. Enduring this in long-suffering produces agape Love
-1Cor.13. If we do this, we shall truly be buying of Him "gold tried in
the fire and white raiment...that the shame of thy nakedness do not
appear." Rev.3:18. Dear ones, "MANY are the AFFLICTIONS OF
THE RIGHTEOUS", but the Lord is delivering you through them and
out of them all - Psa.34:9; 41:3.
"Man is born into trouble as the sparks fly upward" Jb.5:7; Ro.8:20.
Travail and trouble comes to all (Ro.2:19; 1Ths.3:34; Eccl.1:13; 3:10,
11; 9:2, 11), but so do certain blessings - Matt.5:45, There are two
major types of tribulations all men encounter in the "day of adversity."
Ecc1.7:14. One is always SELF-INFLICTED and is subject to the
divine law of sowing and reaping - Gal. 6:8. The other comes often
THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN (Ecc1.8:14) but IS TO
HUMBLE US and PROVE US, and TO KNOW WHAT IS IN OUR
HEARTS THAT WE MIGHT BE CLEANSED - Deut. 8:2, 3; 13:3.
A lot of our trials and tribulations are not by mere accident. They are
tests - Lev.26:41; Jas.1:3, 12. One type of fiery trial works repentance
unto godliness in wisdom (Eccl.2:21) and the other works godliness
and unrepentance (Rev.16:9, 10) unto vanity - Eccl.1:2. "Fools
BECAUSE OF THEIR TRANSGRESSION and INIQUITY are
afflicted" (Psa.107:7), but the wise man can say, "I know O Lord that
thy judgments are right and that THOU IN FAITHFULNESS HATH
AFFLICTED ME." Psa.119:75, 71.
The type of fruitful tribulation whereby we might enter fully into the
kingdom of God is not to be that type of trial which comes and works
as a result of our own striving in the flesh to satisfy and fulfill in a
worldly way the natural man, but is the type of hardship and
tribulation, either MENTAL OR PHYSICAL, endured as a result of
obedience in seeking to carry our cross daily [what ever that cross
may be] Lk.9:32. Though I have all faith...and though I give my body
to be burned and have not charity [a portion of perfected love in
operation] it profiteth me nothing.'' 1Cor.3:2, 3. "I beseech you
therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that YE PRESENT YOUR
BODIES A LIVING: SACRIFICE, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service." Ro.12:2.
The result of offering up "spiritual sacrifices" (1Ptr.2:5) brings about
the form of tribulation which God has ordained for us in love, that )He
might work quicker changes in us, as we through the Spirit allow the
carnal motives, ambitions, vain imaginations and thoughts of our old
nature to be cast down (2Cor.10:5), to be put to death daily. In this
way "ye may be accounted worthy of the kingdom of God, FOR
WHICH YE ALSO SUFFER" (2Ths.1:4, 5) enduring in the knowledge
"that we MUST through MUCH TRIBULATION enter into the kingdom
of God." Ac.14:22. So we see that many facets of suffering are not
without a future purpose but are a necessary preparation for kingdom
authority and rule.
In the world YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION" (Jn.16:33) and "THE
SAME AFFLICTIONS are accomplished in your brethren that are in
the world." 1Ptr.5:9. But "unto you IT IS GIVEN IN THE BEHALF OF
CHRIST...TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE" (Phil.1:29), and truly "IF YE
SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE, HAPPY ARE YE."
1Ptr.3:14; 4:14. The joy and peace will be automatic "IF SO BE
THAT YE SUFFER WITH HIM.'' Ro.8:17. "For this is thankworthy, if
a man FOR CONSCIENCE TOWARD COD ENDURE GRIEF,
suffering wrongfully ...FOR EVEN HEREUNTO WERE YE CALLED:
because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example, THAT YE
SHOULD FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS." 1Ptr.2:19-21.
"For as much then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, ARM
YOURSELVES LIKEWISE with the same mind [even of willingness to
patiently endure suffering]: for He that hath suffered in the flesh hath
ceased from sin." 1Ptr.4:1....The psalmist in relation to this principle
stated, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted" (Psa.119:71; Jb.
34:31, 32), because "before I was afflicted I went astray but now have
I kept Thy word." Psa.119:67; Jer.2:19.
"The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord
-TRIETH THE HEARTS." Prv.17:3. It is said of Joseph, "The word
of the Lord TRIED him" through suffering before he was loosed and
ready to rule - Psa.105:17-21. David said, "Thou hast proved mine
heart; thou hast visited me...thou has TRIED me, and shalt find
nothing.'' Psa.17:3. When a man is in a state of affliction his soul is
often far off from peace and in Jeremiah's case he Laments, "I forgat
prosperity...remembering my affliction & misery...My soul has them
still in remembrance and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind
therefore have I hope." Lam.3:17-21; Psa.78:35,
"Let them that SUFFER ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD
commit the keeping of their soul to Him in well doing" (1Ptr.4:19), "for
it is better IF THE WILL OF GOD BE SO, THAT YE SUFFER FOR
WELL DOING than evil doing." 1Ptr.3:17. Let none of you suffer .as
an evildoer or as a busy body in other men's matters. Yet if any man
SUFFER AS A CHRISTIAN, "let him not be ashamed; but let him
glorify God on this behalf." 1Ptr.4:16.
Beloved, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,
the devil shall cast some of you into prison, THAT YE MAY BE
TRIED...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life." Rev.2:10. "Be thou not therefore ashamed of the testimony of
our Lord (Rev.12:11), nor of me [and you] His prisoner; but BE THOU
PARTAKERS OF THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE GOSPEL according to
the power Of God" (2Tim.1:8), glorying in your infirmities that the
power of God may rest upon you - 2Cor.12:9, 5; 11:30. "Thou
therefore ENDURE HARDNESS, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ"
(2Tim.2:3) "and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season
we shall reap." Gal.6:9.
"Take my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, FOR AN EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AFFLICTION, and of
PATIENCE." Jas.5:10. Take comfort in this, that these through
much tribulation have learned "to bring forth FRUIT WITH
PATIENCE." Lk.8:15. As "ye have heard of the patience of Job and
have seen the end of the Lord" (Jas.5:11) produce even that manifold
blessing and glory as a result of his patient suffering (Jb.42:11-17)
know ye of a surety that "ALL THINGS [EVEN SEEMINGLY
UNBEARABLE SUFFERINGS AND TRIBULATIONS] work together
for good, to them that love God and to them who are called according
to His purpose." Ro.8:28. Therefore, be of mind to "thank God
always for ALL THINGS [incl. sufferings], FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF
GOD." 2Ths.5:18.
Be ye of like patience and faith as Job who could say, "THOUGH HE
SLAY ME, YET WILL I TRUST IN HIM." Jb. 13:15. Quit blaming the
devil for all your problems and trials. Be of like patience and faith
trusting that "when He HATH TRIED ME, I SHALL come forth as
gold" (Jb.23:10) wherein, through suffering and enduring it all, "THE
TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH being much more precious than gold that
perisheth, though IT BE TRIED WITH FIRE, might be found unto
praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.''
1Ptr.1:7.
In God's eyes, it is of the highest honour to suffer in His will and for
His righteousness. Why did not Jesus go immediately to deliver or
at least to comfort John the baptist in imprisonment? Is it not
because God uses these vessels of honour to be a strength and
comfort to those many who would come after? How mach more
does He use Christ?
When all else seems hopeless "consider Him that endured [along
with those others]...lest ye be weary & faint in your minds" (Heb.
12:3), believing that "God is faithful who...will make a way to escape
that ye may be able to bear it.'' 1Cor. l0:13. The way is found perfect
only in Christ for He saith, "I AM THE WAY.'' Jn.14:6. Let us be of
like mind as Jacob who wrestled and endured until the breaking of a
new day. That day of full redemption is nigh upon a people who
shall endure and overcome. After Jacob's old fleshly walk was
broken, it was then he received new power and a new name [nature]
with God - Gen.32:24-32. Truly shalt the broken and "the lame take
the prey." Isa.33:22.
For you loved ones of the Lord that are in the midst of your fiery
trials, the Lord would comfort you therein, saying, "Beloved, think it
not strange concerning THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU,
as if some strange thing happened unto you: but REJOICE, in
as-much as YE ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST'S SUFFERING, that
when HIS GLORY shall be revealed [first of all in you], ye may be
glad with exceeding joy.''1Ptr.4:12, 13. Let us be reckoning as did
Paul, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be REVEALED IN US." Ro.8:18.
Be assured and think it not strange, that the continual seeking of
Christ to come forth in us will produce that full glory that we yet hope
for - Co1.1:27. Rejoice that ye are "counted worthy to suffer shame
for His name" (Ac.5:41) knowing that it is entirely possible to be
"exceeding joyful in ALL OUR TRIBULATIONS" (2Cor.7:4) if we
understand the purpose of fiery tribulation and judgment is actually a
great blessing in disguise, ordained for our righteousness.
The fires are ordained only "to appoint unto them that mourn in
Zion...the oil of joy for mourning" and "the garment of praise for the
spirit of heaviness." Isa.61:3. "Zion shall be REDEEMED WITH
JUDGMENT and her converts with righteousness" (Isa.1:27) "for
when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world
WILL LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS." Isa.26:9; Isa.24:1-15. Ultimately,
the Lord shall cause the breast plate of judgment [urim] to be
replaced by the breastplate of mercy and righteousness in the setting
of all things right - 1Tim.1:20; 1Cor.5:5.
As in the natural realm we have to go through valleys to get from one
mountain top to another, so it is in the spirit. Upon leaving Mt. Zion,
that height of God's holiness, whereby eventually "EVERY valley [low
points in one's life] shall be filled [with exceeding joy] and EVERY
mountain [trail, barrier, problem] brought low [to nothingness]..and
the rough ways shall be made smooth" (Lk.3:5) in following the way of
Him who is the pure white lily of our valleys - Song.2:1. Through the
operation of the Lord's grace, the great mountain of death shall
become a plain - Zec.4:7.
Know ye that only "the meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek
will He teach His way." Psa.25:9. Therefore, seek for "hinds feet."
Psa.18:37. Seek to "make straight paths for your feet, lest that
which is lame be turned out of the way; but LET IT RATHER BE
HEALED" (Habk.12:13) through a broken and contrite spirit (Psa.
51:7), whose spirit having passed "through the valley of Baca
[weeping] make it a well" (Psa.84:6), even a well of their salvation.
When ye shall PASS THROUGH "the valley of Acher [judgments,
troubles, afflictions] for a door of hope" (Hos.2:14), only then shall the
waters of Marah [bitterness] become pure & sweet.
It is very important that the motives and attitudes of our hearts be
always toward the Lord. Let not any be offended "when tribulation or
persecution ariseth because of the word.'' Matt.13:21. "Then shall
many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one
another." Matt.24:10. But "blessed are they which are persecuted
FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE...blessed·are ye when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you
FOR MY SAKE." Matt.5:11; Isa. 66:5. "Yea, and all that will live
godly IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION" 2Tim.3
:12; Mk.10:30. This may be only a mental suffering yet a great one
to endure. But we CAN DO ALL THINGS which are a part of His will
for He strengthens us to do it.
In your affliction and troubles let your cries be as David of old,
constantly praying, "Judge me, O Lord,... examine me O Lord, and
PROVE ME: TRY my reigns and my heart." Psa.26:1, 2. "Search
me O God, and know my heart...and see if there be any wicked way in
me." Psa.139:23, 24. "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and
cleanse me from my sin." Psa.51:2. "Judge Lord, according to my
righteousness." Psa.7:8. Jesus said, "If I wash thee not, thou shalt
have no part with me" (Jn.13:8) in the coming kingdom.
Daniel did set his heart to understand and chasten [judge] himself
before his God - Dan.10:12. We judge ourselves by taking God's
measuring reed [His anointed living word] and discarding the bruised
reed, even that old soulish nature which it seeks to cut and bruise
-Matt.12:18-20; Rev.11:1. The Spirit of Christ ever works "to set at
liberty them that are bruised." Lk.4:18; Jb.36:11, 12.
"If we judge ourselves [according to the measure of the word] we
should not be judged" hereafter, but when we are judged [of
necessity], we as Christians are "CHASTENED OF THE LORD" for
the express purpose that we should not be condemned [judged,
sentenced] with the world -1Cor.11:32, 33. Seek therefore to
"remove sorrow from thine heart, and put away evil from thlne flesh."
Eccl.11:10; Jer.10:24. One day we must all stand before the
judgment seat of Christ, "wherefore we labour that, whether present
or absent, we may be accepted of Him." 2Cor.5:9, 10. With joy, "Let
us go therefore unto Him without the camp, BEARING HIS
REPROACH" (Heb.13:13) following "the Lamb withersover He goeth"
(Rev.14:14), that we might be found guiless and without fault before
the throne - Rev.14:5.
Chastisement which is not primarily for punishment, is nothing more
than A CORRECTIVE AGENT of loving judgment ordained to purge
the works of the flesh - Heb.12:5 -11. It brings fruitful growth in
grace and character. Therefore, "Hear ye the rod and who hath
appointed it." (Mic.6:9), for if you do, then you will grasp the revelation
of "how thy own wickedness shall correct thee and thy backsliding
shall approve thee." Jer.2:19; Hos. 5:15; Jb. 33:15-20, 29, 30. Yes,
"there is affliction by the rod of His wrath" (Lam.3:l) which wrath in
reality, is in the ungodly operation of our own sin nature. The sooner
we learn to accept the operations of this great truth, the sooner it is
that God shall cause us to be fruitful in the land of our afflictions -
Gen.4:52; Jb.36:9-11; Heb.l2:11.
"In trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy
chastening was upon them." Isa.26:16. "Their cry came up to God by
reason of their bondage." Ex.2:23-25. And so does ours! How can
one truly understand and appreciate the fruit of comfort and peace
unless he comes through grief? How can he know true joy unless
he be turned from sorrow? "By sorrow of the heart the [hardened]
spirit is broken." Prv.15:13. "Weeping may endure for a night, but
joy cometh in the morning." Psa. 30:5. "Blessed are ye that weep
now: for ye shall Laugh." Lk.6:21. God has promised! Rev.21:4.
Great is His faithfulness toward you!
Suffering is intended not only to draw the sufferer himself closer to
the Lord, but to awaken spiritual exercise in all--to draw our hearts in
love toward one another (2Cor.1:4) and therein "by love serve one
another.'' Gal.5:13. It can teach us to bear one anothers burdens
even as He bore ours so fulfilling "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ."
Gal.6:2. Therefore beloved, in your suffering, look upwards to the
higher ways of our supreme sufferer--the Lamb that was found worthy
(Rev. 5:12) and "see Jesus...for the suffering of death, crowned with
glory and honour." Heb.2:9.
"Ought not Christ to have suffered (Lk.24:26) and entered into glory?"
Ought not we likewise be prepared to suffer whatever is necessary to
endure and attain unto this same glory? "Because He laid down His
life [in always doing the Father's will] FOR US", ought not we "lay
down our lives for the brethren?" 1Jn. 3:16. After all, are we not all
members of one body (1Cor.12:12) and should we not love Christ, the
church, and our wife [husband] even as we should love ourselves?
Eph. chapter five.
Suffering for righteousness sake can become joyful sacrifice as a
result of love for others even as it did for Paul who stated, "I Paul am
made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you." Col.1:24;
1Cor.12:26. It shall one day be found that "whosoever shall lose his
life shall preserve it" (Lk.17:33) and in the coming kingdom shall see
God "face to face." Gen.32:30; Psa.11:7. Job could finally say, "Now
mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and repent."
Jb.42:5, 6. Are you coming to that place?
Paul learned to fully ACCEPT and consequently ENDURE the "bands
of affliction" whatever they might be, knowing he had not yet fulfilled
the quota of his suffering. Jesus said, "I will show him great things
he MUST SUFFER FOR MY NAMES SAKE.'' Ac.9:16. Thank God,
most of our sufferings are not as "great" as Paul's. Paul measured
his life by loss, not by gain as so many are prone to do in this day and
age - Phil.1:21; 3:7, 8. This was necessary in order that he might
"KNOW HIM, and THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION and THE
FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERING, BEING MADE
CONFORMABLE UNTO HIS DEATH." (Phil 3:10), that he might
attain unto the "firstfruit" that earlier and "better resurrection" from out
of the dead - Phil.3:11.
Likewise, God tests those that are called by permitting them to suffer
(Ac.16:23+), as this is necessary part of His redemptive process to
"try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of
the end." Dan.11:35; 12:10; Rev.7:14. Therefore Paul' s attitude
was, as should be ours also, "I take pleasure in infirmities, in
reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress FOR
CHRIST'S SAKE: for when I am weak [even through testing), then am
I strong [in spirit]." 2Cor.12:10, Yes, our attitude should be likewise,
knowing "if so be that WE SUFFER WITH HIM, that we may be also
GLORIFIED TOGETHER. IF WE SUFFER [all the while
overcoming and enduring], WE SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM."
2Tim.2:12; Rev.2:26.
Yes, this is the primary purpose of it all, "for if we have been planted
[and grow] together IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH, we shall be
also IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION.'' Ro.6:5. Paul
revealed, "that as ye are PARTAKERS OF HIS SUFFERINGS, so
shall ye be also [a PARTAKER] OF THE CONSOLATION." (2Cor.
1:7) which consolation and reward is, ruling. and reigning together
with Him in the coming kingdom. "Charity SUFFERETH LONG"
(1Cor.13:4) waiting for the spiritual and literal manifestation (Ro. 8:
19) of His kingdom's worthy kings and priests - Rev.5:10; Dan.18:7,
27.
When the firstfruit saints have been through their learning and
chastening process, judging what is in their own eye first (Matt.7:5),
then and only then, with righteous justice and true Judgment (Zec.7:9;
Jn.7:24), shall they be fully anointed and equipped to judge the meek
of the earth with the absolute equity and wisdom of the Lord -
Isa.11:1-5. Only shall they begin to minister and rightly rule with a
rod of iron tempered with mercy among the nations of mankind - Psa.
98:9; 2:8-10; Ezk.18:25; Rev. 2:27.
"Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world?...Know ye not
that we shall judge [even fallen] angels? How much more THINGS
that pertain to this life?" 1Cor.6:2-4. Are you preparing to take on
such a responsibility? Note that only "they that were ready went in
with Him to the marriage" (Matt.25:10; Rev.19:7) and that marriage
supper takes place on earth and not in heaven - Matt.22:10-13.
"To everything [incl. trials and judgment] there is a season and a time
to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep and a time to
laugh." Ecc.1.3:3, 4, 17. "To every person there is time and
judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him." Eccl.8:6;
Isa.24:2. Know that the Lord shall be "for a spirit of judgment"
(Isa.28:6) in His appointed times of this working in the earth, whereby
He came to kindle a righteous fire in the earth (Lk.12:49; Isa.10:16),
even in us (Ezk.20:47), to purge Jerusalem [the true church) "by the
spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning." lsa.4:4.
This type of judgment denotes setting things right, not condemnation -
Ezk.20:6. "Thou hast ORDAINED them for judgment and
ESTABLISHED them FOR CORRECTION." Habk.1:12; Psa.90:3;
94:10. "Reproofs of instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from
the evil woman'', even the spirit of the world, that harlot mystery
Babylon - Prv.6:23, 24. "Whoso pleaseth God shall escape from
her." Eccl.7:26.
God has first ordained that His true and righteous, liberating judgment
"MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD." 1Ptr.4:17. If you desire
to wholly follow the Lord, Jesus said, "Ye shall drink indeed of the cup
that I drank of (Matt.26:37-39) and with the baptism that I am baptized
with shall ye be baptized" (Mk.10:39) even with "the Holy Ghost and
WITH FIRE." Matt.3:11. There are fires now burning to cleanse the
elect - 1Ptr.1:7, 12. They are burning and purifying now and in the
times to come (1Cor.3:13-15), which in God's own order, shall
eventually "give unto them beauty for ashes." Isa.61:3.
The Lord saith, "I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away
the dress and take away all thy tin. "Isa.1:25. Very soon He "will
bring a third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is
refined, and will try them as gold is refined." Zec.13:9; Mal.3:3; Psa.
66:10-12. "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I HAVE
CHOSEN THEE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION." Isa.48:10;
Jer.9:2; Zec.13:9. Therefore, "Glorify ye the LORD IN THE FIRES"
(Isa.24:15) and as you do so "when thou walkest THROUGH THE
FIRE [of personal trials and testings], THOU SHALT NOT BE
BURNED: NEITHER SHALL THE FLAME KINDLE UPON THEE."
Isa.43:2. Like unto the original children of Israel, God is bringing you
OUT OF Egypt's bondage's, THROUGH the scorching desert heat
and INTO that promised land of rest wherein flows the river of life.
There was a flaming sword [even a burning word of judgment which
included trials, tests and afflictions] placed at the entrance guarding
the way back into Paradise and its perfection. As we have shown,
the way back to fulness of perfection in this life is to return back
THROUGH THE FIRES - Gen. 3:24. Suffering in its numerous
forms is a often a means, but by no way the only means, by which
God puts to death many detrimental things which He has ordained
should die. He has ordained a divine consuming fire to burn in "the
sides of the north" even in the loins of our troubled minds. Things
such as hardness of heart, pride, rebellion, unbelief, unforgiveness,
impatience, or whatever they may be and no matter how manifest or
subtle they are, must be eventually swallowed up in the Life of our
God who is "A CONSUMING FIRE." Heb.12:29; Num.31:23.
Let us not forget as many do, "the exhortation which speaketh unto
you as unto children. My Son, DESPISE NOT THOU THE
CHASTENING OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN THOU ART
REBUKED of Him." Heb.l2:5. He is merely desiring to correct our
walk now for our own good "that we might be [first] partakers of His
holiness" (Heb.12:10), FILLED with the "peaceable fruit of
righteousness." Heb.12:11. In the meanwhile, who of us·has
"resisted to blood striving against sin?" (Heb.12:4; 10:32-39) in the
calling whereunto Paul and the apostles also laboured", "striving
according to His working" which worked in them mightily - Col.1:29.
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray." Jas. 5:13. "Elias..a man
subject to like passions as we are...prayed earnestly" (Jas.5:17),
fervently, and effectively, and in the end "the earth brought forth her
fruit." Jas.5:18. First comes the HEAT AND FIRE of the sun [Son] in
trials and tribulation, and along with it the north wind which "driveth
away rain" (Prv.25:23), causing draughts in drying up the waters of
pollution and causing the bad fruit to perish. Then cometh the
refreshing rain [Spirit of God in a different form] from heaven causing
now a perfect fruit to come forth (Jn.15); and this fruit shall remain as
the work of God that can never be burned -1Cor.3:12-15. Therein,
pray for the fire, pray for the water and in the meantime, let faith and
patience do their perfect work.
Behold, the same SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT that was in the waters of
the great deluge was ordained to destroy the resistant wicked, but
save Noah and his family from certain destruction by lifting them up
and divinely protecting them, allowing them to ride in safety in the
midst of their stormy tribulation. Likewise, the turbulent waters of the
Red Sea were used to provide a divine escape route for the children
of Israel, but became a devastating destructive judgment upon their
enemies.
The power that was in the whirlwind, lifted Elijah out of the death
realm of the earth, but that same awesome power could also destroy
life, causing blood and fire and pillars of destructive smoke. The
searing hot flames of the fiery furnace that burnt loose the bands and
yet protected in their midst, the three men of God, slew the most
mighty men of Babylon's army. That same holy fire that crackled in
the midst of the burning bush in the presence of Moses is now
presently burning in a remnant of the body of Christ, and it will surely
destroy their bands if they allow it to burn until the bands are free.
When the Spirit of the Lord is poured out in its fullness upon all flesh
in the last days, it shall be as a mighty blessing to one and a
devastating judgment to another - Jl.2:2, 32; Am.5:18-20. To one,
the Spirit of God's two edged sword becomes "the savour of death
unto death: to the other the savour of life unto life." 2Cor. 2:16. "Dead
flies works] cause the ointment [Spirit] of the apothecary [the
perfumer Christ] to send forth a stinking savour." Eccl.10:1. Beloved
saint, which will it become unto you?
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; WHO COMFORTETH
US IN ALL OUR TRIBULATIONS THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO
COMFORT THEM WHICH ARE IN ANY TROUBLE, by the comfort
wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.'' "For just as Christ's
[own] sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon his disciples, and
we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ's
comfort and consolation and encouragement are also [shared and
experienced abundantly by us."[Amplif. version] 2Cor.1:4, 5; Col.1:24.
K. Ross McKay
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