“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the FIERY TRIAL which IS TO TRY YOU, as though some strange thing happened to you; BUT REJOICE to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also BE GLAD WITH EXCEEDING (extraordinary, phenomenal) JOY.” (1 Pet. 4:12-13)
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “BLESSED ARE THOSE who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. REJOICE AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD (more extraordinary and phenomenal joy), for GREAT IS YOUR REWARD in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt. 5:10-12)
We would rather not think about being persecuted but, “…if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed (aischunó: be disfigured or dishonored), but LET HIM GLORIFY GOD in this matter.” (1 Pet. 4:16) Let me give you an example, I’ve been reading about Job’s trials and his “comforters” of whom Job said, “Miserable comforters are you all!” (Job 16:2) A 4th “comforter” spoke up, “Elihu, whose wrath was AROUSED AGAINST JOB…”Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.’ Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of wicked men!” (Job 32:2, 34:35-36) Elihu says many mean and untrue statements as he persecutes Job. Then God Says “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, AS MY SERVANT JOB HAS.” (Job 42:7-8) Remember what Jesus promises, “great is your reward…” “…the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job TWICE AS MUCH as he had before.” (Job 42:10)
-Bill Stockham