Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 2 Timothy 1:8-11
I love the movie A Few Good Men. In the courtroom dialogue there is an interaction that goes like this…
Col. Jessep: Have you ever spent time in an infantry unit, son?
Kaffee: No sir.
Col. Jessep: Ever served in a forward area?
Kaffee: No sir.
Col. Jessep: Ever put your life in another man’s hands, ask him to put his life in yours?
Kaffee: No sir.
Col. Jessep: We follow orders, son. We follow orders or people die. It’s that simple. Are we clear?
Kaffee: Yes sir.
Col. Jessep: Are we clear?
Kaffee: Crystal.
When you really understand that your calling to follow Christ is an eternal one that God purposed by His grace, you can suffer just about anything for the sake of the gospel. That’s what Paul was telling Timothy. “Hey, don’t be like other’s who lose sight of what this is all about. Be ready to suffer along with me. Don’t be ashamed”. I think there are many Christians today that are ashamed of the gospel and not ready to suffer the persecution that will come upon us. Its high time we get our commitment and convictions straightened out by realizing, Jesus rose from the grave. There is no other name given among men by which we must be saved.
Am I clear?
God, what fascinating changes are happening so rapidly in America. I know the persecution of Christians will soon be upon us. While I am weak in many ways, I want You to know, when it comes to my faith in Jesus, I will suffer for the sake of the gospel. On that I am clear, crystal clear!
