Page 33 - The Gate and the Way

I Peter 4:12-16
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you
for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the
degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the
revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the
name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon
you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a
troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed,
but in that name let him glorify God.

Both Peter and Paul are speaking in harmony. Paul states that the sufferings of Christ
are ours in abundance. Peter shares that when we encounter the sufferings of Christ we
should not act as if some strange thing were happening. What could he possibly mean, other
than that being a partaker of Christ’s suffering is common to all disciples? Christ’s
sufferings are to be expected, anticipated, and received with grace. These two apostles are
speaking in perfect agreement with the Son of God Himself. Yahshua testified that no man
could be His disciple apart from taking up his cross and following Him down an afflicted
path. This testimony is found from the gospels to the book of Revelation.

Revelation 1:9
I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and
perseverance which are in Yahshua, was on the island called Patmos, because of the
word of God and the testimony of Yahshua.

The day is at hand when a remnant of God’s people will once again identify themselves
as John did in these words. When we speak to a true brother or sister in Christ we will
acknowledge one another as “a fellow partaker in the tribulation... and perseverance of
Christ.” The troubles of Christ are appointed to us in abundance. Think it not strange. These
things must be.
In former years the saints in Christ were more amenable to suffering with Christ. I do
not mean to suggest that there has ever been more than a remnant who have embraced such
things, but at least the church spoke openly about such matters, even if only a few had the
attitude of Paul expressed in the following words.

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf
of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ's
afflictions.

In 1693 Thomas Shepherd wrote the first stanza to the hymn titled Must Jesus Bear
the Cross Alone?

Must Jesus bear the cross alone
And all the world go free?
No, there's a cross for ev'ryone,
And there's a cross for me.