June 06

 "His Voice Today"

June 6

🔸️ True Christian Life has suffering! 🔸️

When the church was first formed through the Apostles, they kept them strong by telling the congregation, "We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations" (Acts 14:22). Yes, a person who desires to enter the kingdom of heaven under the New Covenant, can enter into it only through tribulations. Paul categorically told Timothy, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The opposite life of "suffering" is "gaining fame." In Luke chapter 6, Jesus points out the difference between these two. Referring to the life of suffering for righteousness' sake, Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.... that is how their ancestors treated the prophets." (verses 22, 23). But while mentioning the contrary life of getting the praise of men, "Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets" (Verse 26).

In the life of suffering, we must suffer only for the sake of righteousness. As followers of Christ, we walk in righteousness and uprightness wherever we are. For example, working as a doctor in a hospital, you will refuse to do the "abortion"! Because you know clearly and firmly that this act is a homicide. This may cause you to suffer or you may lose the job. Or you, who worship the true God will refuse to donate to the festival of idols of the gentiles! Because of this, you are certain that you will suffer in some way. Further, for the sake of the gospel of Jesus, we may even suffer! But Jesus is happy to call us "blessed" at such times.

 Prayer:

Our Loving Father! Give us the grace to realize and to live in the righteousness of your truth, to accept the sufferings that we face and to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Author:

 Brother Zac Poonen

Translated version of the Tamil "Family Meditation Book"

From:-

https://t.me/hisvoicetoday