23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:23NIV
The early Church had a vastly different understanding of what it means to follow Christ than the Church today. For instance, Paul boasted about going through tribulations because of the name of Jesus. He said he was more of a servant because of the tribulation he faced for the name of Jesus, but today’s Church argues the complete opposite.
They claim only those who are lukewarm will go through tribulation. They claim that God loves us too much to allow us to go through tribulation because we are the Bride and we’re to be spotless. Here’s the thing, we’re to be spotless from sin, not from bloodshed. In fact, why would only the head be flogged, beaten, and hated, but the body loved and protected from all harm?
To receive persecution from the world because of the name of Jesus is a badge of honor, according to Peter and John. It’s a privilege to be counted as a servant of Christ, so why have we deceived ourselves and others that it is a punishment or God’s wrath?
Dear LORD, please renew my mind so that I might understand and accept Your Truth and not my own. Open my eyes, ears, and heart that I might hear and understand. Strengthen my spirit man, so that I might be able to stand strong in the day of trial. Prepare, oh LORD, for what may come in my lifetime. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
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