Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 5, 2011

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:19-23.
 
“19  But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 
                                            
 20  But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city.  The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 
                                         
 21  After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,
                                      

 22  strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

 23  When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”  Acts 14:19-23.

—————————

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”  Why? 

Tribulations identify us with Christ “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;  in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”  Philippians 3:10-11.  “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,”  Romans 6:5.

Tribulations showcase the greatness of God in sharp contrast to our infirmities.  “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;  we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;  perplexed, but not despairing;  persecuted, but not forsaken;  struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-10.

Tribulations build our faith.  “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope;  for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”  Romans 8:24-25. 

Tribulations build our endurance, perseverance, and other virtues.  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4.  “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:3-5.

But, there is hope!

“17  The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
         And delivers them out of all their troubles.
    18  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
         And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
    19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
         But the LORD delivers him out of them all.”  Psalm 34-17-19.

Posted in Uncategorized

«
»

Categories