As we continue to read through the New Testament, I receive great comments from a number of you. This comment came from a thoughtful reader of Scripture and a serious disciple:
"You've asked that we share our impressions from the 90-day reading of scripture. I have something from from Acts 14:22b that we read on Sunday: "They (Paul and Barnabas) said, 'We must suffer many things to enter the kingdom of God.' " (NCV) The statement comes on he heels of Paul's having been stoned and nearly killed. He obviously knew what it meant to endure physical suffering for the cause. That said, the statement hit me with a deeper meaning this time around. Suffering is a way that God brings us under his "kingdom rule." Suffering (physical, emotional, spiritual) is a necessary discipline in learning genuine heart obedience. We have to embrace suffering as a means of learning to surrender our wills to the will of God. It's not just a matter of gaining Heaven; suffering is part of discipleship and is necessary in order that Christ be formed in us. This, of course, tracks with what James (Jas. 1:2-3) had to say about suffering producing endurance. I was just caught by the way the statement is phrased here. Suffering for Christ allows Him to set up rule in our hearts and lives."
