Suffering Great Things for Jesus – Acts 9
“For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” — Acts 9:16
Paul the Apostle’s conversion was one of the most crucial events in Christian history. Paul was used by God in a very special way to extend the gospel to other nations, to pen much of the New Testament, and to layout much theology for the church.
Along with this wonderful privilege to be be used by the Lord, Paul was also chosen by the Lord to suffer great things for Jesus’ name’s sake. This calling to suffer for the Lord is something to which Peter tells us all Christians are called:
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” — 1 Peter 2:21
“Suffering for Jesus” is not a popular idea or even something that is exciting, but it is something that is reasonable and to be expected for the disciple of Jesus.
When we consider how great things Christ suffered for us, it should be an honour to suffer great things for His name’s sake. The apostles rejoiced ‘that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).
I wonder how willing are we to suffer for Jesus? Do we love Him enough to endure hardship and difficulty for Him? Do we see it as an honour to suffer for him? These are tough questions, but when we consider how much Christ has done for us, it makes it all worth it.