Faithful, Not Fair - Day158 Month 6-7 Week 23-4
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Joshua 18:11-19:23, Psalm 124, Jeremiah 37, John 21:12-25
Faithful, Not Fair
But what about him? The actual quote is “Lord, what about this man? Sometimes we think everything should be fair or the same for everyone. Jesus had just informed Peter that he would die for Him. Then Peter looked back at John and asked about his death. Jesus responded “What is that to you?” Peter did die for Jesus and John died a natural death. Of the 12 disciples in Jesus’ inner circle, 10 died as martyrs. Fairness in God’s eyes is different from fairness in our own eyes.
We also read in the first chapter of Jeremiah, referring to the leaders of Israel, God says they will “fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you.” We read today that Jeremiah was locked in the dungeon of a prison when the king called for him.
To be an authentic Jesus follower, the earthly end is not always good. As we look back in history, we find that many Jesus followers have become martyrs because they put their faith and trust in Jesus. When God tasks us with things, sometimes it is not to our earthly benefit but it is to the benefit of the kingdom of God. That is where our real future lies.
So here’s the question I’m asking myself today. Am I willing to die for my faith in Jesus? Am I willing to suffer for my faith in Jesus? Am I at least willing to be treated lesser because of my faith in Jesus. These are hard questions but if I am not willing to answer these questions “yes” am I really a Jesus follower? In this Canadian culture I live in or the culture you, the reader, is in, I suspect we are unlikely to die for Jesus but if you are in some countries of the world, this is a very real possibility. People who make the decision to be Jesus followers, are accepting a possible death penalty. It is an unexpected fact that people are becoming Jesus followers at an explosive rate in places like Iran and China, where it is restricted or illegal while Jesus’ church is declining where we are free to decide, specifically in western nations. So, what would incline a person to follow Jesus where it’s possible you may die for it?
Choosing to be a Jesus follower has its benefits. Most days I encourage you, the reader, to choose Jesus. The benefits do far outweigh the challenges but the challenges can be real.
As I look at the questions I asked two paragraphs earlier, I have difficulty answering now, but I believe God is with me throughout whatever circumstances I face. I have not had to face death yet, but when I’ve needed to stand strong, the Holy Spirit has given me extra strength to stand up for my faith. I have no doubt that if I were to face more difficult circumstances I’d receive extra strength in those times as well. We will read about this in the next few days as we start to read Acts, but the story that rings clear is during the stoning of Stephen we read “being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man (Jesus) standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55,56).”” Just as Stephen was bold as he died for Jesus, I believe we all can have that power, and boldness, at the time of need if we are true Jesus followers.
Have a great day!
Steve
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