Worthy of Suffering Disgrace for the Name

Acts chapter five concludes with a powerful image of the apostles' response to public humiliation and disgrace. They were arrested twice, questioned, found innocent of wrong doing, yet they were flogged, and ordered never to speak in the name of Jesus again.

Here was their response...

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 5:41-42)

This statement reveals how the apostles were the real thing. Read it again; it should speak to us in a profound way. As if the apostles activities prior to this persecution were not enough, this statement of how they responded to persecution shouts off the page. They were literally celebrating because they had each been flogged for Christ.

Here is a truth that each of us must be prepared to hear: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Those are the words of Jesus, and they are true. So, how should we respond to trouble?

Today, as an act of worship, may we find a way to celebrate because of hardships. Remember what we are here to do: love the Lord and love our neighbors. This purpose is best achieved when we focus on bringing God glory in all things - including hardships, persecutions, and difficulties (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Bible says, "in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)