It is so uplifting to contemplate, Jesus as portrayed when on earth, and now in heaven as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, He deserves the special place and adoration, of the angels in heaven; but more than that, He deserves a special place and adoration, in the heart of every person who has drawn breath upon this earth. Today, in my mind, I bow before Him and adore, in my limited human way, for He is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord, as well Saviour and Redeemer. Yet upon earth, Jesus lived as a poor man of no repute, ridiculed, chastised, afflicted and put to death. All for us! 2 Corinthians 1: 5-7 “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.”
Our Lord has said that no one who follows Him will entirely escape trials and some type of suffering and that identifies us with Him. We are consoled by the Holy Spirit, and the knowledge as we are being fitted for a place in heaven, through our salvation by Jesus whom God the Father sent unto us. We truly share with Him, trials on earth, and one day hope to be in heaven with Him. When considered from all aspects, we can ask for no better privilege than being identified with Jesus our Saviour. Jesus suffered so we could be saved, and we can suffer as we are sanctified and as we are gifted salvation by Jesus,. Hebrews 2: 10 “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”
I am sure none of us seek trials, or enjoy them; even though many times we give thanks for them later, because of the learning about ourselves, and the closeness to Jesus that can come, as we surrender our mind and heart to Him, in a humble and needful way. The apostle Paul was no exception, 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Paul, after fervently asking to be relieved of his ‘thorn in the flesh’ accepted the word of God, that his ‘thorn’ was working a work in Him that was spiritually necessary. With a whole switch around, revealing his love and humility for Christ, Paul now felt that adversity and knock backs were beneficial, because they were molding him into a truer replica of Christ.
My prayer is for me and others, that we will come into this receptive place with God and count it all joy, for the purpose and Person, if not for the experience. 1 Corinthians 1: 57, 58 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”