Sharing in Christ's Sufferings - Day 251 Through the Bible

Early signs of fall - in the cabin garden - near Mt. Celo Church

My Lessons and Applications from Today's Readings

(Ellipses are mine and are used for contemplation.)

Prophesy of Destruction, Prophesy of Messiah - Isaiah 9 and 10 (What It Says - Summarized) - Both Israel and Judah are to be destroyed.  Only a remnant will remain.  But to the Gentiles who "at first He lightly esteemed...and afterward more heavily oppressed her...by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles...The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death...upon them a light has shined...for You have broken the yoke of his burden...the staff of his shoulder...the rod of his oppressor...FOR unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor...Mighty God...Everlasting Father...Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." Because of the arrogance and pride of Israel (Ephraim) and Samaria, they will be devoured..."for...the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, nor do they seek the LORD of hosts...WOE to those who...decree unrighteousness decrees...who write misfortune...to rob the needy of justice...to take what is right from the poor of My people...that widows may be prey...that they may rob the fatherless...and it shall come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel...and Jacob will never again depend on him who defeated them, BUT will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth...The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God."

My Lessons and Applications - God is true to His promises.  A remnant will always be spared.  Despite the pride and arrogance, the idolatry, the forsaking of God, He will maintain the covenant.  Punishment will be meted out upon the reprobate Chosen Nation; the Beloved only Son will be sent to bring judgment and justice; salvation will be extended to the Gentiles; the promised remnant will turn away from dependence on man and return to God in truth.  Do I meditate upon The Greatest Gift God has given us...the cost of this Gift...the humiliation, suffering, love of Jesus Christ on the earth...for me...for you...for us all?  How does this change me, transform my earthly life for Him, for God's glory?  How does this impact my understanding of the effect of my sin on God?  Does this understanding of history empower and inform my zeal for God and for His Word, the heeding of His call to me through the Holy Spirit?

Sharing in the Sufferings of Christ / Comforted that We Might Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:1-24 (What It Says - Summarized) - "Blessed be the God and Father...of our Lord Jesus Christ...Father of mercies...God of all comfort...who comforts us in our tribulation...that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble...with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  FOR...as the sufferings of Christ abound in us...so our consolation...also abounds...through Christ...Now if we are afflicted...it is for your consolation and salvation...which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer...Or if we are comforted...it is for your consolation and salvation...that we should not trust in ourselves...but in God...who raises the dead...for our boasting is this...the testimony of our conscience...that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity...and in godly sincerity...not with fleshly wisdom...but by the grace of God...and more abundantly toward you.  FOR...all the promises of God in Him are Yes...and in Him, Amen...to the glory of God...through us...Now He who establishes us with you...in Christ...and has anointed us is God...who also has sealed us...and given us the Spirit in our hearts...as a guarantee...for by faith...you stand."

My Lessons and Applications - This doctrine - sharing in the sufferings of Christ - is rarely taught in any pulpit, but it is taught all through the New Testament and even throughout the Bible in the lives of the prophets and saints.  Jesus, Himself, warned us of the high and difficult cost of discipleship (Luke 14:33, Matt. 10:22, 24-26,28; Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 19:16-22 and others).  Paul gives us a reason for this unavoidable suffering as a result of being Christ's - that we may find comfort and consolation through Christ.  But it does not stop there. We are then to be a comfort and consolation to others, by the empowerment of His Holy Spirit within us, to the glory of God.  We are called to stand by faith, share our faith - not just in spite of...but because of...in the midst of...the trials and sufferings we WILL face. (1 Peter 4:12-13, 1 Peter 2:19-23, 1 Thess.3:3, Acts 14:22 among others).  Am I humbling myself under this trial, learning through His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit how to use this for the furthering of God's kingdom, to allow God to make me more Christ-like, to use me to strengthen, encourage, comfort and console others?  Am I rising out of self-pity into the pattern of the Suffering Servant - offering my life, this trial, this suffering to God for His purposes?

"For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen." 2 Cor. 1:20 

(Oswald Chamber, My Utmost for His Highest)

Never forget that our capacity in spiritual matter is measured by the promises of God...not by education or intellect...not by the limitation of natural ability.  Is God able to fulfill His promises?  Our answer depends on whether we have received the Holy Spirit.  If we have received the Holy Spirit, God expects the work of the Holy Spirit to be manifested in us.