"Going Home"

Scripture Text: "And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" Matthew 13:52 (KJV)

There is a beautiful song by The Bishops entitled "Jesus Died, so I don't have to". I'm sure that the Author of the song never had in mind, a life of absolute disregard for our privilege as Christians to understand the sufferings of Christ - by not going through them. 

Yet, do I want to be whipped and beaten until my back is so torn that my muscles are protruding through the flesh? No - And Thank God I don't have to. Do I want to be tied to an old Olive Tree, and have spikes driven in my hands and feet, and a spear thrust into my side, ultimately bringing an end to my life? No. I can't even imagine the pain. But that's not exactly what suffering with Christ means. It means to be in union with Him, in such a way, that our association becomes real, alive, and fruit-bearing.

You see, a man is either "in Christ" or he's "out of Christ." The very first question God asked Adam after he had sinned, was "Adam, where art thou?" He's asking the same question of you and I today.

Interestingly enough, knowing the "fellowship of His sufferings" doesn't place us at some threshold of intolerable pain, or enduring some terrible disease or sickness, all because we think He wants us to suffer such things for His Name's Sake. That's another theology all of it's own and unless you're someone like Joni Erickson Tada - you could never understand that kind of suffering for Christ. Even Joni will tell you that her handicap was because of her own human error - yet God has used her in a Mighty Way! PRAISE HIS NAME FOR SUCH SERVANTS OF GOD.

But, " Being found in Christ... and knowing Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings", means coming to a place of such surrender, that you see nothing but Christ, eat nothing but Christ, breathe nothing but Christ.

" O come on brother Wayne - that's just a little too much Christ. I mean, are we not supposed to 'fully orbed' or balanced in some way?"

Sorry. The answer is clear in Gods' word. Man cannot have two masters.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Mt:6:24

"So am Is supposed to quit my job, and work full-time for the Lord?"

How many times have I been asked that question? Of course the answer is, "Yes, If that what He's asking you to do!" But if everyone quit their jobs and went into full-time ministry, the world would come to a halt. That's why Jesus said to "occupy, 'til He Comes." (Ref., Luke 19:13)

On the road to Damascus, Paul experienced a wonderful pardon, and now he was forever indebted to Jesus - His LORD! Paul called himself a "Love Slave", since He knew He was free, yet He chose to remain. Don't you just love that thought. Jesus set Him FREE - yet he "chose" to remain... for the Love of Christ constrained him.

To know the fellowship of His sufferings, means knowing Christ in such a way that every move we make, and every word we speak, is displayed as a man or a woman who has faced the gruesome, eternal sting of death... yet victorious! For just like the thieves who died on the cross with Jesus... we should receive the due reward of our deeds:

"But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." (ref., Luke 23:40 KJV)

Let's Pray.

Father God: I am reminded of the power of your resurrection in my life, filled with grace and mercy, when all I deserve is death, and the grave. It is my humble prayer O Father, that others may see Christ in everything I do, and that I will I live my life today and everyday as just like Jesus. Be my strength, and my portion today O Lord, and my God. In all things that I say, and do today, may I first ask, "What would Jesus do?" For I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.