Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews is a wonderful exposition in what it means to have faith,Charles F. Pfeiffer in his little commentary on Hebrews, divides chap 11 into three sections (1) Characteristics of faith,11 v1-3. (2) Examples of faith, 11v4-32. (3) Triumphs of faith, 11 v 33-40. I want us to consider no 3,in these verses those who suffered for their faith are not mentioned by name, it mentions how they suffered,'they were jeered, flogged, put in chains, imprisoned ,stoned to death, sawn in two, killed by the sword,and then there were those who went about destitute,persecuted and ill-treated'. Our Lord said we are to take up our cross and follow Him, it's obvious that the cross is an instrument of suffering,yes it is the way of the cross that leads home.There are lands in which our brothers and sisters are suffering today,I will mention one a Pastor Avedian he lives in Iran,he has been sentenced to ten years in prison,and after that a further 10 years of deprivation of social rights.He is just one of many who are suffering in Iran. Lets us not forget those in North Korea,Eritrea ,who are also suffering greatly. We need not be surprised at the suffering of God's people,we live in a world that is at war with God, shown clearly when they crucified the Son of God.Let us pray for those who are suffering for Christ,we may not suffer as those mentioned ,but we will all most surely experience different trials on our journey to our heavenly home,remember what our Saviour said ,'Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world' John 16 v 33.
'I must needs go home by the way of the cross,
There's no other way but this
I shall ne'er get sight of the gates of light,
If the way of the cross I miss.'
Words J.B.Pounds.
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