Word@Work 1Pet59 - 1 Peter 4:13
Published: Thu, 07/16/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
PAIN KILLERS
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (NIV)
Some have said that the antidote to the pain of suffering (for the sake of Christ), is prayer. And, depending on what they mean, that is helpful. But so often we base our prayer on a desire to be released from the distress. But as with any pain, the more you focus on it, the worse it feels. True prayer is centred on our Lord and Saviour, in worship and there is a carrier-wave of praise throughout. True prayer recognises the joy ahead of us, and therefore the need to reject feelings of shamefulness which suffering brings. That was how Jesus endured His sufferings (cf Heb 12:2).
Many sporting people, playing hard with their team, will not even notice some injuries; nor will soldiers in combat. The reason is that, provided they are still able to function, the goal of winning is greater than the pain of getting there. But for the Christian, there is another motivation. The Lord Jesus suffered, and our painful experiences are like an after-shock of the cross. Our pain cannot save us or others, but it helps us to identify with our Lord and also to know that He really can sympathise with our situation (cf Heb 4:15).
Of course, Satan uses pain to tell the lie that it marks the end; and therefore is to be feared and resisted. Childbirth may feel like that at times, but there is also the prospect of new life and joy ahead. It is the same way for Christians. The anticipation of eternal joy puts today's sorrows into perspective (cf 2 Cor 4:17). The well-taught believer will learn to focus on the permanent joys of God's eternal presence to come. In striving to complete the Christian life in good order, straining forwards to please the Lord (cf Phil 3:13-14), the pain is dulled by praising Him today, in the anticipation of participating in His glory when He comes.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I do not like the painful experiences of rejection that come because I trust in You. But I know that I should praise you for who You are, and for the high calling I have received. It is a privilege to have a little share in the suffering that Jesus experienced when He was rejected. Help me not to hate those who turn on me, but to pray for them, as Jesus did, and desire that they may also share your glory; as they turn to you in repentance and faith. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Some have said that the antidote to the pain of suffering (for the sake of Christ), is prayer. And, depending on what they mean, that is helpful. But so often we base our prayer on a desire to be released from the distress. But as with any pain, the more you focus on it, the worse it feels. True prayer is centred on our Lord and Saviour, in worship and there is a carrier-wave of praise throughout. True prayer recognises the joy ahead of us, and therefore the need to reject feelings of shamefulness which suffering brings. That was how Jesus endured His sufferings (cf Heb 12:2).
Many sporting people, playing hard with their team, will not even notice some injuries; nor will soldiers in combat. The reason is that, provided they are still able to function, the goal of winning is greater than the pain of getting there. But for the Christian, there is another motivation. The Lord Jesus suffered, and our painful experiences are like an after-shock of the cross. Our pain cannot save us or others, but it helps us to identify with our Lord and also to know that He really can sympathise with our situation (cf Heb 4:15).
Of course, Satan uses pain to tell the lie that it marks the end; and therefore is to be feared and resisted. Childbirth may feel like that at times, but there is also the prospect of new life and joy ahead. It is the same way for Christians. The anticipation of eternal joy puts today's sorrows into perspective (cf 2 Cor 4:17). The well-taught believer will learn to focus on the permanent joys of God's eternal presence to come. In striving to complete the Christian life in good order, straining forwards to please the Lord (cf Phil 3:13-14), the pain is dulled by praising Him today, in the anticipation of participating in His glory when He comes.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I do not like the painful experiences of rejection that come because I trust in You. But I know that I should praise you for who You are, and for the high calling I have received. It is a privilege to have a little share in the suffering that Jesus experienced when He was rejected. Help me not to hate those who turn on me, but to pray for them, as Jesus did, and desire that they may also share your glory; as they turn to you in repentance and faith. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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