When you look at the title, it almost makes you wonder: What poor soul has been battered, bruised, and beaten? Or even, Do I know this person? The interesting aspect of it though is this: There is no better place one can be. Fascinating! – is it not?
Consider the words of Paul in his letter to the Roman believers: If we are his children, we are also God’s heirs. If we share in Christ’s suffering in order to share his glory, we are heirs together with him. I consider our present sufferings insignificant compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us (Romans 8:17-18, GWT).
I am reminded in some very trying and draining – battered, bruised, and beaten suffering as of late, of this great promise and hope. Although we suffer, and as we will suffer, let us know that we are in great company with Christ. He is able to mold us, shape us, and make us what He desires we be. Often, this comes in periods and seasons of suffering. We don’t always understand it and we seldom like it – but it is so true. Many a day, in this past year, I have clung to this hope and promise. At night, when I lay Eli down and pray with him as he goes to sleep, I know somehow, in some way, God is going to be glorified in all of it. Some nights he has the deep questions – some nights I just let the tears flow. Yet I know God is showing us something; making Eli, and all of us, more and more of who He wants us to be.
Chambers put it this way: “We are to be broken bread and poured out wine for Jesus’ Name.” As usual, Chambers captures it so accurately – it is exactly how we are “to be.” It’s the automatic response for a life lived, and transformed, by the Gospel.
We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – not because we have done anything to deserve it, or earn it, or attain it – but because through His suffering and gift – He Himself made the Way known. The Way is open to all who would believe, repent, and receive.
Be blessed, and be a blessing…
Porter
PastorPG's Blog 