All this week we have studied the sons of Zebedee, John, and James, who God used mightily for His glory. In today’s passage, we learn of their earthly end.
John was exiled to the island of Patmos to spend the remainder of his earthly life alone in isolation without his family or his brethren in Christ. James was ordered to be killed by the sword by King Herod to persecute the Church. Both of the brothers suffered greatly because of their faith but were willing to sacrifice their very lives for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24
Jesus ensured the disciples were always aware of the need for their complete surrender and commitment to identify with Him and His cross…no matter the cost. For the disciples, ‘taking up their cross’ meant their rejection, persecution, and even death. Yet, their hope was centered on Jesus who suffered deeply because of His passionate love for people.
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. – 2 Timothy 3:12
Every believer today will face some degree of opposition, persecution, and suffering if we are truly seeking and following God. Although we may not face martyrdom like many of the disciples, following Jesus may mean that we are mocked, slandered, and hated. We may be excluded from work events and family gatherings. We may lose relationships, our reputation, and our livelihood.
Even in the most difficult times, when it feels as though the cost of following God is too great, believers can trust that God alone is enough. No pain or suffering in this life exceeds the immeasurable pleasure of intimately knowing Jesus Christ. We must cling to this promise.
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. – John 15:20
The call to know Jesus Christ intimately means that we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His eternal glory. Persecution and suffering do not defeat God’s people. God’s plans on earth are fulfilled when His people are united with Jesus and willing to sacrifice everything to become more like Him. God promises that, for believers, pain and suffering will end and that death will be swallowed up in victory.
Our future is bright.
John and James left everything to follow Jesus. They sacrificed everything to magnify Him, and they have gained everything in return. Two ordinary fishermen surrendered their all to God, and through their lives, God demonstrated His extraordinary power and strength. What is keeping us from doing the same?
As you endure the sacrifice of following Jesus, where are you seeing the evidence of God’s presence and joy in your life? How may we pray for you as you commit to following Jesus, no matter the cost?
Peace and grace to you,
Terria serves on the LGG encourager and social media teams. She lives in Virginia with her husband. She is a proud mother of two beautiful girls in college. Her passionate goal is to ignite and empower a generation of millennial women to grab hold of God’s truth and cling to it. She can be tracked down hard at work in busy hospitals listening to patients’ stories, while sharing the lessons and love that God has poured out in her life. Despite the sometimes chaotic circumstances of Terria’s life, God always shows Himself strong and loving.
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Hi my name is Danielle. I want to be more and more like Jesus. I want to live the life that God has for me. I want to discover my true ministry. I want to go deeper and deeper with Jesus. For now I’m afraid of persecution but in due time I am willing to suffer for my God. May He gives me strength and courage to do so. I want to fullfill my destiny. I want to stop seeing myself less than others. Please pray for me. I really need prayers. Thank you so much. God bless you. P s. Sorry for my English. I’m French.
Oh dear Sister, we are all striving to be more and more like Jesus. Some days we take a step forward and somedays we just tred water but Jesus never leaves our side. Stay faithful and speak to Him often. He loves you just the way you are.
Danielle, sweet friend I will be praying for you. What I found is God wants our desire for more and as we pray and pursue He will lead us. He will put things before us to prepare us for where He wants us. I used to try to grow over night but then I realized just how special the journey is. From the moment you are saved to the moving into to ministry is such a wonderful discovery process. At times it hard as God dug deep into my heart and there were times of silence and waiting but I had to sto trying to run ahead and just let lead. I will praying for you ?
I desire to walk in such a way that draws people to Jesus, not cause I’m so great, but that they want what I have. (Rather Who I have) I’m aware that if we live as salt and light, it will not always be received well. Salt can sting and light hurts the eyes of those who’ve been in the dark. But I desire to love well. It’s hard to love those who persecute you. Cause you pain. Pray for me so I am willing to “bless and curse not “
The prayer of Jabez came to my mind as I read this. So praying this for you!
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.’ So God granted him what he requested.”
It’s simply a heart crying “send me”. I know because this is my heart too!
I need prayer, back a year and a half ago I decided to follow Jesus no matter the cost and it has now cost me my marriage, I am getting a divorce. There were other factors that played a role in this but ultimately this is the reason. I knew and had promised God that even if it tore my marriage apart he was worth it. I am now on a new journey that I have no idea where it will take me and my daughters but I do know God is with me and I will not be sorry I did it, he gives me so much joy and fulfillment and he will never leave me or foresake me. It is scary to not know where I will even live in a month cause we have to sale the house but I know and have faith that God will provide my every need.
Thank you for this bible study God knew I would need this at this very moment in my life to encourage me in this season of my unknown future.
My heart breaks for what you are going through, Krystal! I will be praying for God to help you take this new path one step at a time. May He guide your decisions and give you comfort and peace.
In these last few months dealing with Melanoma Stage 3 cancer (I won’t give it a capital C because My God is greater) I have continually seen Gods grace, peace, and provisions even if at the last minute. In my faithfulness to Him he is Always faithful to me.
Amen, Dottie! Your positive attitude is such an encouragement! I will be praying for God to continue walking beside you and to continue giving you the grace, peace, and provision through this time!
Oh where to begin….I am currently dealing with being mocked and ignored within my own family. They make fun of me for the amount of time I spend in the Word. They use profanity all the time, knowing how much it upsets me, and my son has decided he’s atheist, which is breaking my heart into a million pieces everyday. Please pray for peace and strength for me, as I take these things to the foot of the cross everyday. God is so good to offer me comfort and peace during these trials. However, my biggest prayer request is for my son’s salvation.
Susan,
I know and have experienced your pain. When I think of the rejection and disrespect that Jesus had to endure, I really doubted whether I wanted to go hard after Him…knowing that I would have to endure His same pain. But loving Jesus has been the most amazing love I have ever known. Continue to press, Susan! Continue to cling to God! Take joy that you are the one who will represent the love and peace of Jesus to your family! I will be praying for your strength to persevere and your son’s salvation. Take heart. You are not alone! ?
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Terria,
Thanks you so much for your kind words of encouragement and your prayers. God bless you sister!
I think the place I face the most rejection, ridicule, persecution is in my own family. All know Jesus, but few choose to follow. As I pursue a relationship with God & design my life as I believe He is directing, it definitely creates waves in our lifestyles. It’s tough when your husband is not the spiritual leader in your home, & you’re not on the same page. It breaks your heart to see your kids, extended family pursue their own path, rather than the path God has for them. The comments cut to the core, especially when they use them to hurt you in a disagreement. Yet, when life crumbles, it is often I who they come to. Following Jesus is not easy. It IS rewarding when you see Him use your faithfulness to change those He puts in your circle of influence!
I have held onto these verses, believing that my family & extensions WILL choose Jesus one day. Let’s hang in their ladies, thriving in our journey with a Father who knows our hearts & will fulfill the desires within!
Prov 22:6 Direct your children on the right path so when they are older they will not stray from it.
1 Cor 7:14 The unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife….
Kyla,
I’m so sorry that you have to endure so much pain from your family. It seems that the people closest to our heart have the power to break it. But you have been chosen for such a time as this! Your influence, your faith, and your obedience to God make you powerful beyond measure. Stand strong in your faith and watch God mightily transform those around you…through you! What a wonderful testimony you will have! I will be praying for you and your family! ❤
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
Oh my goodness Kyla, our struggles are so similar. Thank you for sharing those verses, I will be putting them up on my prayer wall. I will be praying for you and your family. God bless you!
Thanks to all of you for your comments and prayers. God bless you all Sisters.
I am learning so much. This study is intelligent and it smack -dabs me with the ” I want to know more, I want to study more, I want to stay in the word more”.
Thank- you. This is my first study with you and it is so so good!
Bless you!
Housekeeping note. On the website: Under the Bible Study tab, and in the “Sold Out” link of this study, this day (Week 2, Day 5) is missing. It skips from Week #2 Wednesday to Week #3 Monday.
I ask for prayer for me as I am a caregiver to my husband. He has physical difficulties – unable to walk without falling, long history of mental health issues. I need God’s presence and help to me constantly as I try to be patient, loving and kind, and to not be bitter or angry. I have the choice daily to be kind and loving or angry and bitter.