Judges 13:1-25; Isaiah 33:1-24; 1 Corinthians 11:2-34
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church. Colossians 1:24
The Lord reminded His disciples that they should not be surprised if the world hated them, because it hated Him first (John 15:18). Paul stated that he bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Gal. 6:17). Every time we suffer persecution for Christ’s name, we enter into the fellowship of His suffering, and fill up the cup of affliction intended for Him had He still been on earth. Never easy, suffering for Christ brings His consolation and comfort and deepens our oneness with Him. —Mark Kolchin
It’s not by our merit, but by His grace we grow,
To be more like Jesus and more of Him know. —Rebecca Lee