Reading your Bible for today March 9

March 9: 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 

KJV Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:10
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Devotion:
The history books tell of some great suffering by many people in this world. The books about Hitler will tell you of the millions of Jews that were persecuted, but many leave out the millions of Christians that were persecuted too. The books on ancient Egypt tell of the millions of slaves that were used and abused during the reign of the Pharaohs, but they leave out the fact that millions were Christians. No matter how far you go, telling the world about Christian suffering just does not seem to be the done thing!

Maybe people are too scared to tell of the truth because they fear that uncovering the truth will lead them into a dead-end alley where they will then be forced to accept the truth. Living a life of “innocent ignorance” seems to be acceptable. The disciples were men who were willing to go that extra inch for Christ. They made sure they lived up to the Christian banner in their lives. We do not hear too much about the suffering they endured because none of them would want to boast of their suffering. They simply tell the facts about being imprisoned for many years and some of the abuse.

Maybe they knew exactly how little they were actually going through in comparison to what had been or what was to come. We get a hint from verses like this. Troubled, distressed, perplexed, despairing, persecuted, forsaken and cast down; but never destroyed – for they knew that God was on their side. But they also knew how much Jesus went through to die on their behalf. They were the ones who were there and able to see and hear first-hand just what Christ went through. We can watch films showing what our interpretation of the suffering was, but even those directors say they have “calmed things down”.

If we have to go through a little hardship, so what! Christ has been there, done that and more than deserves everything (never mind the T-shirt) that we can have to offer Him in return. He has paid it all!

Points to Ponder:
What is the worst thing you have had to endure for a friend?

How does that compare to giving your life?