Called to Suffer

​1 Peter 2:21 ~ “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
 
When you want to know how the world will love you for your Christian faith, you need only look to the cross of our LORD Jesus and embrace it. How much history in the church is made up of dark and dangerous periods where persecution of the faithful was a common theme? There has never been a century yet since the days when our LORD’s feet trod upon this earth that the church didn’t suffer the villainy of the world. Jesus warned us in John 15:19, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” But, mighty warrior, you are called upon by the LORD to stand with Him, even when taking that stand comes at the price of persecution.
 
There are some cultures in the world today where many Christians live at peace. They enjoy relative ease and safety and a quiet, contented life. If that is you, then praise God for He has granted you an easier road than most. For the most part in the remaining part of the world, Christians are faced with hatred, hostility and even the threat of imprisonment and death. And our text for today brings us up to that place where we must prepare our hearts to the call to join in the sufferings of Christ.
 
And that is where our text for today begins: “For to this you have been called.” Some might think it a strange thing to be “called” to this experience. There are those who ask “what has God called me to do?” Well, according to our text, He has called you to suffer. Dear Christian, the truest sailors are proved in the fiercest storms. The greatest warriors are tested, not on the practice field but on the battle field. There is a reason that God has given us spiritual armor for our journey through this world (see Ephesians 6:10-20). Faith must be tested in the crucible of difficulty. 1 Peter 1:7 states, “So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Those who teach a doctrine of ease and comfort do not understand the value or the rich connection that comes from suffering with our LORD. Paul would say this in Galatian 6:17, “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”
 
And, let us then look at the connection that comes through suffering with Christ. Our text says, “because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example.” We look to Jesus as the absolute example of what He would have us do in the face of suffering. Hebrews 12:2-3 says, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” When you endure suffering for being a Christian, and you face it with the grace and patience of Christ, you put on display the power of your faith in the face of trials. For your faith is to be always looking unto Jesus, whether in times of peace or times of hardship.
 
And, finally, let us see the end of our text that tells us that we should “follow in His steps.” You and I do not have a separate Christian journey than those who went before us. We are not exempt from suffering and persecution merely because we have not faced much difficulty because of our faith. We are commanded to walk in the way of Christ—and no other. You cannot order your own path, nor can you establish your own measure that is acceptable. It is the LORD Jesus who paved the way, and He is the one who will plan your way as well. 1 Peter 4:1-2 tells us, “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” If your version of the Christian faith steers you away from “taking up your cross” and following Christ (see Luke 9:23) then you are on the wrong path.
 
So, why is this of necessity? Why talk about suffering and persecution? Because you need to be forewarned that it may be closer than you realize. You do not live in a friendly, safe world where Christianity is desired. Let us set our hearts to endure whatever we must as we strive to be faithful to the LORD Jesus, Who’s steps we desire to follow.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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