There is a Price

“You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 10:22-23

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:24-28

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:34-39

One of the requirements we must face when following Jesus is suffering. No one likes to suffer. Only an imbalanced person wants or seeks to suffer. So why would suffering be an indispensable part of the discipling process. Could it be that nothing tenderizes the heart and opens one emotionally like suffering? It has been observed that those who tend to be the most helpful to others who are going though trauma, trial, or difficulty are those who have suffered themselves.

Does this put a different light on the hurts and pains you have experienced in the past? Can you see someone who is going through a difficulty which you previously endured and not be moved emotionally? Doesn’t it make you want to reach out to that person with hope and comfort?

Disciples are those who know the value of sufferings. This truth is set against what the world would teach us. We know the world is completely self-centered. The suffering you endure is not for you alone - it is experienced for the benefit of every pilgrim you meet on the road of life. They all hurt; they all have cares. Will you point them to the One upon Whom they can cast all their cares? He cares for them.

Thought for the Day:
In suffering, one learns to pray best of all.