“And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” – Acts 5:40-41
What a different mindset! While most today (including Christians) go to great lengths to avoid the slightest embarrassment, discomfort, or pain, the apostles delighted in being beaten for the sake of Jesus!
They weren’t crazy and they didn’t delight in pain itself. They just loved Jesus so much! They understood that going through hard times for the sake of Jesus represented a great sign of God’s confidence in their faithfulness. God considered them worthy to suffer for Jesus. He knew they would represent their Lord and Savior well and continue to minister boldly despite the opposition.
So they rejoiced in their suffering. They rejoiced that they had stood firm for their faith. They rejoiced that they had refused to be silenced. They rejoiced that many had heard about Jesus from them and through their dishonor. They rejoiced that Jesus, Who suffered terribly for them, permitted them to join in His suffering.
Jesus invites each of us to follow Him. That includes into possible danger, hostility, disapproval, humiliation, dishonor, and suffering. Are you prepared to follow Him into all those things as they did? Would you consider it an honor and privilege to do so?