S.L.A.V.E. of Christ- Chapter 6: Counting the Cost

Return to Chapter 5: The Call to Slavery

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Gal 6:17 (1)

Following God at all costs has never been a very popular thing. In Jesus’ parable of the wicked vine growers (Mt. 21:33-34; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16) is a warning that following Him may cost you everything. In the story a man planted a vine- yard, dug a vat under the wine-press, built a tower, and then rented it out. When the harvest came he sent a slave to receive part of the produce from the growers, the slave was beaten and sent away. A second slave was sent to collect what was rightfully his, this one they wounded in the head and treated shamefully. A third slave was sent, this one they killed. Finally he sent his son, a son he loved very much; surely they would respect his son. However they took him, killed him, and then threw him unceremoniously out into the vineyard. A careful student of God’s word will at once recognize the characters. The man who planted the vineyard is God. The vineyard is Israel. The vine- growers are the religious leaders. The slaves are the prophets and priests God sent to His people through the ages. The son is Jesus.

As we peer into Old Testament times to see how the Jews treated their own prophets and priests that God sent, a striking theme emerges, they were all persecuted.

• Uriah, an obscure prophet and peer of Jeremiah was killed by the sword and buried with the commoners for faithfully proclaiming the message of God. (Jer 26:20-23)

• Jeremiah was repeatedly persecuted for proclaiming God's messages by Judah's leaders. For 40 years of faithful ministry, he received no acclaim, no love, no popular following. He was beaten, jailed, threatened, and even forced to leave his homeland. (Jer 38 1-6) (2)

• Isaiah, according to “The Assumption of Isaiah,” a noncanonical book, King Manasseh had the prophet Isaiah sawn in two. (2 Kings 21:16)

• Amos, a proclaimed herdsman turned prophet by the direct calling of God came under fire by the chief priest and was asked to leave.

• Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest, was stoned in the courtyard of the Lord's temple for prophesying while being "clothed by the Spirit of God." (2 Ch 24: 20-22)

• Elijah, the mighty prophet who shaped the history of his day and dominated Israelite thinking for centuries afterward (3) was threatened by Queen Jezebel with these words, "May the God's strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them." (1 Kings 19: 1-2) (4)

It is summarily interesting to note that after uttering these famous words, “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it,” (5) Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death while Saul kept everyone’s coats from getting stolen.

Many of you are no doubt familiar with Hebrews 11 and the “Hall of Faith.” Here, all chronicled in one place are the names of those who “by faith” offered, were warned by, were called by, lived out, and died “by faith” in God. It is a miraculous list both in its members, and their deeds, some more holy than others. Through it we see that God can take the weakest of creatures and turn them into the mightiest of warriors. We also see at the end of the chapter the fates of some of our heroes. Following God has never been easy; it has always been a walk of faith. Before you decide to step out in faith you should be made aware of what may await you, it’s only fair!

Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised...Hebrews 11: 35-39 (6)

Contrary to what is taught in many places today, following Christ can have its setbacks, sometimes fatal. These men and women were tortured, as are many today. These men and women suffered mockery and whippings, as do many today. These men and women were destitute (utterly lacking), and the New Living Translation says oppressed and mistreated. The writer says of them immediately following these words, that “they were too good for this world.” I don’t know about you but I’m going to remember that next time I want to give credit to God for blessing me with some material, earthly possession. Does that mean that I am good enough for this world? I hope not!

This reminds me of a story about D.L. Moody I once read. A man said to D. L. Moody, “Now that I am converted, have I got to give up the world?” Mr. Moody answered, “No, you do not have to give up the world; if you have a good ringing testimony for the Son of God, the world will give you up pretty quick; they will not want you around.”

To be honest, something has always bothered me about the abundance of my life since I entered into a serious relationship with the Creator. I wondered what I had done to deserve these many worldly “bless- ings” when more faithful, sacrificial, and holy people were suffering under the tyranny of a brutal dictator somewhere across the seas. What a paradigm shift to read 1 John 2:15-17 and finally understand that the things of this world are blinding to our spiritual eyes and are not of the Father, but are of this world. What a paradigm shift to read about the Martyr’s a world away and wish, with Paul, that I might attain such faith (Phil 3: 11-12).

“Jesus said the heart is where the treasures are kept. So what can we say about many evangelical Christians? Getting into debt for cars, homes, and furnishings which probably are not needed; sacrificing family, church and health for corporate promotions and career advancement- I believe all this is decep- tion, engineered by the god of this world to ensnare and destroy effective Christians, and to keep them from sharing the Gospel with those who need it.

The typical media testimony goes something like this: “I was sick and broke, a total failure. Then I met Jesus. Now everything is fine; my business is booming and I am a great success.”

It sounds wonderful. Be a Christian and get a bigger house and a boat and vacation in the Holy Land. But if that were really God’s way, it would put some Christians behind the Iron Curtain and in the Third World in a pretty bad light. Their testimonies often go something like this:

“I was happy. I had everything- prestige, recognition, a good job, and a happy wife and children. Then I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Now I am in Siberia, having lost my family, wealth, reputation, job, and health. Here I live, lonely, deserted by friends. I cannot see the face of my wife and dear children. My crime is that I love Jesus!”” (7)

Before you say I could never do that, I’m just not cut out to have that kind of faith I would like to remind you of those God has used in the past. It was Paul himself who wrote, “brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Cor 1: 26-29) (8)

God chose the foolish and the weak, the things despised by the world, so that those chosen can never boast in the presence of God. This choosing of ordinary people was a major theme of the Old Testament. God used Moses, Deborah, Gideon, and many other people of humble origin to show that success came through His power, not theirs. The foolish and weak can never say that God chose them because of their talent or intelligence. Instead, God chooses those who are counted as nothing at all by the world, and turns them into great people for Him. People’s abilities, social standing, or knowledge have nothing to do with God’s choice. Skill and wisdom do not get a person into God’s kingdom- faith in Christ does- so no one can boast that his or her achievements helped him or her secure eternal life. (9)

Persecution

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 5:41-42 (10)

How far we have come from believers who actually rejoiced in the face of persecution? These apostles had been beaten (whipped the traditional “forty lashes minus one”) and were “exceedingly glad!” The text goes on to say that they were rejoicing because they had been “considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Worthy in the Greek is kataxioō (kat- ax-ee-o’-o) which means deemed entirely deserving! Can you imagine such a scene? After suffering such a horrific punishment (I can’t imagine 39 lashes by whips being anything other than horrific), you’d think these men would take some time off, and yet, that is not what the text says. The text says they couldn’t even get home and clean up before they started rejoicing! 

These men (Peter and John and maybe others of the apostles) were walking away from a beating, bleeding from the fresh scars, with a smile on their face. I find this remarkable. I wonder would we not in this day and age wonder what on earth we had done wrong to deserve such a fate. And what does that attitude say about our faith? These men knew they had done nothing wrong, but had done something right and knowing that brought them immeasurable joy.

Have you suffered persecution lately? If not, don’t be lulled to complacency by the thought that it was your good fortune to be brought up in a country where you are free to worship. The bottom line is that the darkness hates the light, no matter where you call home. The chances are far greater that you do not suffer persecution because you can’t be differen- tiated from those around you. It is clear from the very earliest of the teachings of Christ that you will suffer persecution as a Christian.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world.

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5: 10-16 (11)

Jesus first tells us that persecution and slander and all kinds of evil will befall us. He knows our instinct is to shrink back from such hostility, and yet he encourages us to stay salty and keep our light shining before men giving glory to our Father.

In Mark 8:35-37 Jesus makes it ever more clear that the costs of following Him are high. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

For many of you reading this the thought of suffering may never have entered your mind. In your biblical worldview God is love. God cares and would never want any of his servants to suffer. You may be like that Christian who was broke, and now has plenty. You believe it is enough to give the credit to God for your good fortune, and then go about your merry way forgetting about those less fortunate than you. I am afraid for you much as Peter was for those who shared that same philosophy.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “IF THE RIGHTEOUS ONE IS SCARCELY SAVED, WHERE WILL THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER APPEAR?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 4:12-19 (12)

My friends, God does not bless as the world blesses. To teach and/or live otherwise is to do so at your own peril. The health and wealth gospel is a perversion of the true gospel. To suffer persecution is part and parcel of the Christian life. It is not left to those in other countries who weren’t so blessed as to be born in a country of unprecedented wealth and prosperity. Let us not forget that the majority of the New Testament took place during the height of Roman wealth and prosperity, and yet these Christians, and indeed Christ Himself, were not counted worthy of even a place to lay their heads.

And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:58) (13)

The apostle Paul wrote to the rich Christians in Corinth, “For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality (2 Cor. 8:13,14)

The Bible advocates and demands that we show love for the needy brethren...God has not given this superabundance of blessings...so we can sit back and enjoy the luxuries of this society- or even in spiritual terms, so we can gorge ourselves on books, teaching cassettes and deeper life conferences. He has left us on this earth to be stewards of these spiritual and material blessings, learning how to share with others and administer our wealth to accomplish the purposes of God. (14)

The apostle Paul when “boasting” to the church at Corinth did not list among God’s many blessings a large home, the newest vehicle, a second home on the beach or in the mountains. He didn’t brag about his overflowing bank account, his many investment opportunities, or the latest hobby he now had time to pursue. He didn’t invite the Corinthians to watch his new big screen, to eat from his exclusive menu of delicacies, and marvel at his latest gadget. No, in order to prove his “right” to teach them and suffer being accounted as a “fool” he “exalted” his suffering.

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was ship wrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.

2 Cor. 11:22-30 (15)

Thus it is clear that Paul bared the marks of his discipleship (Gal 6:17). For this reason I make a daily habit of remembering those who have suffered martyrdom, persecution, and suffering for the cause of Christ. It may not be as pleasant a thought as naming your wants and then claiming them all in the name of Christ, but it is far more scriptural. Paul says “He who glories, Let him glory in the Lord.” (2 Cor 10:17) (16) A good question has been asked in the past, “if we could have everything here, for what may I ask is heaven for?”

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Just as the most beautiful skies combine billowing clouds with shimmering sunlight, Henry Francis Lyte’s colorful, bittersweet life contributed to the pensive depth of his beautiful hymns. Henry was born in Scotland in 1793. His father, Captain Thomas Lyte, moved the family to Ireland, then abandoned them, and young Henry was raised by his mother who taught him the Bible and instructed him about prayer. After he entered Portora Royal School in Northern Ireland, his mother died, leaving Henry a nine year old orphan with no means of support.

Portora Royal School was superintended by wise and kindly Rev. Robert Burrows, who saw something in Henry. He invited him into his home, accepted him as part of his family, and paid for his education. Henry excelled. At age 16, he was awarded financial assistance to Trinity College in Dublin, and he trav- elled there intending to enter the medical school. But something was pulling him toward the ministry, and he wound up instead in the Divinity School.

By this time Henry had grown into a handsome teenager, six feet tall with dark curly hair and a winning personality. He proved a hard worker, a brilliant student, and a gifted poet who repeatedly won awards for his compositions.

After college, Henry, 21, was ordained and began preaching at St. Munn’s Church in Taghmon, Ireland, an inland city south of Dublin. There he made friends with another pastor, Rev. Abraham Swanne. When Swanne became critically ill, Henry cared for him and for his family, spending long hours talking to the dying man. The two clergyman realized they were both blind guides, lost, without adequate personal relationships with Christ. As they searched the Scriptures together, both Henry and his dying friend came to a deeper faith. He later wrote, “I began to study my Bible and preach in another manner than I had done previously.” It was this incident that inspired his wonderful hymn, written in 1824 (revised in 1833).

Jesus, I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow thee,

Destitute, despised, forsaken,

Thou from hence my all shalt be.

Man may trouble and distress me,

Twill but drive me to thy breast,

Life with trials hard may press me,

Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.

Perish every found ambition,
All I’ve sought, and hoped and known,

Yet how rich is my condition,
God and heaven are still my own! (17)

Continue to Chapter 7: The S.L.A.V.E. Journey

doulos ek Christos


Notes
1. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copy- right 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL, 60187, USA. All Rights Reserved)
2. (Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible- Updated Edition; Copyright 2000 by The Zondervan Corporation. All Rights Reserved)
3. (Believers Bible Commentary; © 1995, 1992, 1990, 1989 by William MacDonald. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America)
4. (Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copy- right 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved)
5. (Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission)
6. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copy- right 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL, 60187, USA. All Rights Reserved)
7. (Revolution in World Missions, Copyright 1986, 1989, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by K.P. Yohannan; All Rights Reserved)
8. (Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permis- sion of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide)
9. (Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible- Updated Edition; Copyright 2000 by The Zondervan Corporation. All Rights Reserved)
10. (Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission)
11. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copy- right 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL, 60187, USA. All Rights Reserved)
12. (Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible- Updated Edition; Copyright 2000 by The Zondervan Corporation. All Rights Reserved)
13. (Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible- Updated Edition; Copyright 2000 by The Zondervan Corporation. All Rights Reserved)
14. (Revolution in World Missions, Copyright 1986,1989, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by K.P. Yohannan; All Rights Reserved)
15. (Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved)
16. (Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved)
17. (Then Sings My Soul; Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan)