I receive daily devotions from Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Ministries. Today's was particularly poignant, and I wanted to share it with as many people as possible. As it always does, God's impeccable timing brought these words to me during a time when my heart was receptive, and I was subconsciously yearning for them.
Christians who are truly, recklessly desiring to follow the Lord often feel persecuted or they wonder why they are being led to a certain thing/person/city/job. There are so many questions that arise with this initial inquiry -- Am I missing out on something else? What would happen if I didn't follow this calling? Why do other people have it so much easier? After you read the words of the following devotion, I hope it becomes clear to you -- as it did to me -- that these stemming persecutions and questions come solely from your human nature. Other people don't necessarily have it easier than you do. If you don't follow a calling you are a disobedient rebel. Jesus suffered for us in ways we cannot even fathom. He thus, called us to be his disciples. And -- (sorry to be the bearer of bad news) -- but disciples of the Lord are not comfortable all the time. They are not always rewarded in an earthly form. Jesus' disciples do not live an easy life. However, disciples do live a life that brings glory and satisfaction to the God of Creation -- a jealous, almighty and loving God.
I participated in a discussion about corporate ethics last week -- and I was labeled as a cynic. I explained in that discussion that I didn't believe that humans were capable of altruistic motives. And though many of my peers at this increasingly secular university will never understand my reasoning, I knew in my heart that I was relating the only one true form of altruism to God. His son endured a horrific death to save me and forgive every selfish and self-glorifying act I will ever contrive. This devotion helped me rationalize my words from that discussion as I realized who I am called to be and that suffering is part of that job description. I truly believe that we are called to vacate our comfort zone, suffer for the Lord -- and with every action, we are closer to an eternity of worship in the purest form.
Morning & Evening, by Charles H. Spurgeon
Revised and edited by William C. Neff, ©2003-2009
"Go to Him outside the camp, and bear the suffering He endured."
--Hebrews 13:13
Jesus, bearing His cross, went outside the gates of the city to suffer for His people. The Christian's reason for leaving the city of the world's sin and religion is not because he loves to be alone, but because Jesus did so; and the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was "not of the world." Indeed, His whole life was a constant protest against conforming to it.
In the same way, Christ's people must "go to Him," taking their position "outside the camp" as witnesses of the truth. They must be prepared to walk the straight and narrow path with bold, unflinching, lion-like hearts, loving Christ and His truth more than anything else in the whole world.
But why does Jesus require His people to "go outside the camp" to suffer?" One reason is to make them more holy, like Christ Himself. You can not grow in grace while being conformed to this world. And even though this path may cost you many hurts and battles along the way, it is the only life of true happiness. The warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily battles than others can possible know in their hours of rest and relaxation.
This is how we will win the crown of glory-- by communing daily with Christ "outside the camp." The crown of glory will follow the cross of separation. A moment of shame and suffering here will seem like nothing when we are "forever with the Lord." [M&E]
