Bended Worship Ministry

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps.” This is how Peter put it [1 Pet.2:21] and many more places in the Bible you could see such tone continually emphasized, what more of the many examples of those who have followed Christ before us and even now these present times of those who truly and faithfully stand in the gap.

The Lord Jesus himself said [and what more example of an emphasis we need!], “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” And because we have pampered brothers and sisters with the love and grace of God we see [no matter how we will excuse ourselves] Christians that are not ready for what will come and that are just there going along with the flow of the world. I do not mean to disrespect the love and grace of God, actually, if we truly will tell believers the true intent of God’s grace and love we will see already Christians that are there standing in the gap!

But what does it say?

“To this you were called…” To this I am called. Does this speak to you even as it has spoken to me? Do you see yourself as someone called to this? I know that I am called to this and count it a privilege. And that this will fill my life…my expectations [the Lord faithfully and mercifully give grace].

There are three things here. Notice the progression.

Christ suffered for you

This is the first and it says there…”because.” As a believer it says there that you are called to this because Christ suffered for you! Today we fear tell believers that they will suffer, that the service of the gospel carries along with it a life of suffering. Like one preacher say it…we sugarcoat the truth!

But what is this suffering? Is it just the difficulties of life that everyone else experiences? Here we fall short. We have taken suffering as general, as just the daily difficulties of life. But what does the Lord say “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” [John 15:20]

It says it clearly there; the suffering is…”because Christ suffered for you.” This is not just some difficulties. This is what the Lord meant when he said we will have troubles. It is troubles and suffering that come along from one’s faithful and courageous stand for the gospel! And to this I am called, to this you were called!
An example left

You see this suffering did not stop at us. It is an example the Lord left. We are called to this suffering. We are called to live out the truth of this example. Well, if there is an example, isn’t it meant to be emulated? Paul said “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” [1 Cor.11:1]. How then can we see Christians walking as witnesses if this example is not emulated? And this example of a life that suffers has one purpose- “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” [Heb.2:10]

“In bringing many sons to glory…” what a glorious calling we have. No wonder the Apostle Paul will say “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him…” [Phil.1:29 notice the tone of Chapters 1 and 2. Is not about the gospel and Paul’s life in it and the Philippians culminating with the Lord Jesus coming down, becoming like a servant with that exhortation in the beginning that this should be our attitude also]

Following in Christ’s footsteps

What a privilege? And who is equal to such a tasks…Paul quipped. God give us grace. But we are just to be willing. We are just to be surrendered. We are just to be there and say…”Lord…here I am.” And this is where those given the privilege to speak…speak! That many may be made willing, that many may see their lives surrendered and that many will step forward before the Lord and say…”Lord…here I am.”

Suffering for others, a thing that truly gives us sometimes a sense of foreboding but let us keep in mind and heart what Paul said “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” [Rom.8:16-18]

To this we are called, that the world may see and realize that Christ suffered for them too and that they may see this example of a life that is willing…yes!…even as we see ourselves faithfully, courageously following in his footsteps.