EXAMPLES OF THE FAITHFUL THAT SUFFER
EXAMPLES OF THE FAITHFUL THAT SUFFER
As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. —James 5:10-11
We have examples of those who suffered and those who were patient. Surely, the prophets suffered much, even death, because they were faithful to our Lord—
“Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.” —Luke 11:50-51
Abel was the first martyr and Zechariah was the last martyr of the Old Testament period before Jesus. Both were righteous servants of God and for that they were killed. Of Abel it is said,
“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous” —I John 3:12
And of Zechariah we read—
“Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple. —II Chronicles 24:20-21
And then there is Job—
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” —Job 1:20-22
It takes patience and steadfastness in the midst of opposition; however it comes and from wherever it comes. Followers of our Lord God Almighty are in spiritual warfare. Satan hates God and he hates God’s people. He is a destroyer (I Peter 5:8). He seeks to destroy with whatever scheme he can use and the Apostle Paul said, “we are not unaware of his schemes” (II Corinthians 2:11). So, be aware of how Satan seeks to destroy you!
In the midst of suffering, through the suffering, our Lord God Almighty is “compassionate and merciful.” He has purposes. In Job’s life we can see the purpose that is taking place— Job loves God because he loves God and it does not depend on the circumstances— even when he lost all of his business and all of his children— he still worshipped God! Abel and Zechariah righteously served God right up until they were killed. Let us ponder these examples to help us as we go through suffering. Yes, Dear Father, help us to see how faithful these people were in their suffering and may we be encouraged by them in our suffering. May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, may it be so and all for Your honor and glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsQmsEE_2-s