Even when treated like trash!

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Happy Sunday.

Primary Text

“We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash – right up to the present moment.” 1 Corinthians 4v13 (NLT)

Paul is giving the experience of the apostles and how they are treated to the Corinthians. He said they are treated as the world’s garbage, trash. Even now we find that Christians might be looked at as uncool, unconforming, not up-to-date… But if we were to ask Paul, the other apostles, prophets and those who have gone before us, they will never trade the life they found in God for anything. Noah was ridiculed, Joseph went through prison, Daniel in the lions’ den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into fire, but they held unto their faith. Because beloved, nothing compares to what we have in Christ – the love, joy, peace, …. And hope for the future. In 1 Corinthians 15v19-20 (AMP) says “If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. But the fact is that Christ (the Messiah) has been raised from the dead, and He became the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [in death].” But we thank God for the hope we have, and all those who have gone before us including our Lord Jesus Christ.

Supplementary Text

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endures from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12v1-3 (NLT). 

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your word this day. We thank You for all that we have and have found in You. We pray for the grace to continue to run this race with joy, and endurance, giving glory to You always, in Jesus name, amen.