😇 Shalom to all.
God’s word today:
“In Him we find courage and access to God with full confidence through our faith in Him. Therefore I ask you, so that you do not lose heart seeing my troubles because of you, because my troubles are your glory.”
(Ephesians 3:12-13 ESV)
Paul wrote this letter to Ephesians from prison. He was not imprisoned for a crime, or a moral wrongdoing, or a political rebellion. He was imprisoned for one thing: preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially to non-Jewish nations. And there is a request that sounds simple, but is actually very deep: “That’s why I ask you, so that you don’t lose heart when you see my troubles because of you, because my troubles are your glory.”
The Ephesian congregation—the majority of whom were Gentiles—could begin to waver in their faith. They may ask or have doubts:
•”If the Gospel is truly from God, why do God’s servants who preach it suffer?”
•”If this is God’s way, why end up in prison?”
That’s why Paul said firmly but lovingly: “Do not lose heart.”
Why is Paul’s Suffering Called the Church’s Glory?
First, because Paul’s suffering was the price of the Gospel they received.
If Paul had chosen safety, if he had stopped preaching the Gospel, if he had been afraid of suffering, then the Ephesians would never have heard the news of salvation. The Gospel reached them because there was a servant of God who was willing to pay the price of obedience.
Second, Paul’s imprisonment actually confirms the value of the Gospel itself.
The Gospel is not cheap news. The Gospel is not a message tailored for convenience. The gospel is so precious and glorious that it is worth fighting for—even if you have to suffer for it. Paul’s imprisonment is a witness that the Gospel truly has eternal value.
Therefore Paul dared to say: my suffering is not a disgrace, but an honor for them.
For us today, these words remind us: suffering because of obedience to Christ is never in vain. Often times, what appears as hardship in human eyes, is being used by God as a means of glory for others. May this reflection strengthen our hearts, so that we do not lose heart, but faithfully walk with Christ – whatever the price. Amen.
Bless you
ps caleblusi
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