[7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. [8] We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. [11] For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So death is at work in us, but life in you
Romans 12:9-21 ESV
[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rev. Kyobeum Lee
Following Jesus is not about prosperity, success, and the good life we often here preached. It is about suffering on mission for God.
The Paradox of Christ's pain
Paul describes being afflicted, pressed, persecuted. This isn't about finding a comfortable, easy life. The gospel isn't about working harder. It tells us that we are terminal, dead. We need resurrection and new life. Grace isn't displayed by the strength of the messenger. It is shown in weakness. We are not golden chalices, but clay jars. We don't look down on suffering. We don't glorify suffering. We are not heroes. When we live faithfully, suffering comes. If we say that Jesus is ours and we are His, our life will become cross-shaped. This is how we witness and minister to the world.
Patient suffering
Love is not transactional. It is genuine and not self serving.. It's not weird quid pro quo. Love for the sake of love, that is real love. Bless and pray for those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Feed your enemies. This is a very counter cultural idea. It is not the way of those of the world. This is normal life in the kingdom of God. We are to lift up others. Quiet and enduring suffering because this is how Jesus lived.
The early church was not full of eloquent speakers, good marketing. It grew because of their patience. When persecuted, they endured the suffering. They prayed as they were threatened with death.
The Peril of Martyr Syndrome
We are called to suffering, but we are not called to be heroes. The martyr syndrome is something like this: "we seek conflict to affirm our point of view. If we are suffering, then God must be pleased. If we are persecuted, then we must be righteous. Don't you deserve better treatment? Aren't we righteous?"
The Holy Spirit does not speak like this. We are not the center of attention. Jesus should be the center. Our suffering does not save others. Our suffering only points to Christ's suffering. Our lives should point to Jesus. We are jars of clay, but we contain new life.
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