In the first stanza of the hymn “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” (words by Isaac Watts, 1707) we read. . .
“I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, Or to defend His cause,
Maintain the honor of His Word, The glory of His cross.”
When the Apostles had been called before the Jewish leaders, after having been beaten and commanded to cease speaking in the name of Jesus, we read. . .
“(41) Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (42) And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” (Acts 5:41-42)
Perhaps we would consider suffering to not be a privilege, but when it is associated with the right cause, it is. The Apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to be so treated as they stood firm in their faith and true to the Lord and His Word!
Note Paul’s perspective where we read. . .
“(8) We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; (10) always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (11) For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-11 ESV)
Through the ups and downs of life, we have the privilege of carrying both the death and life of Jesus with us. As Jesus died for our sins, we are to have died to sin (Romans 6:2) so as to live the rest of our life for Him. (Romans 6:8-11; 1 Peter 4:1-2) Are we living that resurrected life in Him?
As Peter encouraged Christians going through trying times, he told them to not be surprised at the fiery trial they were undergoing, but to rejoice in sharing in the sufferings of Christ. (1 Peter 4:12-13) In being so treated the glory of God rested on them! (1 Peter 4:14) Bringing suffering upon oneself through doing wrong is one thing (i.e. 1 Peter 4:15), but being willing to endure suffering for the One Who suffered for us is a glorious thing. We ought to feel privileged when we have been clearly identified with Him!
As Peter when on to state. . .
“(16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16 ESV)
Yes, as we are privileged to be called by the name identifying us with our Lord, let us never be ashamed in however we are called to glorify Him in our life! As Paul’s hope was that he would not be ashamed but would have the full courage necessary to honor Christ in his body whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20), may we also seek to honor Him at all times and in all ways!
Jesus stated. . .
“(26) For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26 ESV)
In unashamedly acknowledging our Lord we have the encouragement of His acknowledgement of us. May we live in the privilege of that acknowledgement and hope!
Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING THE PRIVILEGE OF IDENTITY WITH CHRIST!
Carl
