“Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” Apostle Paul quoted this stanza to the persecuted congregation in Rome. (Romans 8:36) Like the Sons of Korah had been removed from worship and service at the temple in Jerusalem by an enemy, the Christian congregation in Rome had been first expelled from the Jewish congregations in Rome and then persecuted by the Roman authorities and their neighbors. The church in Rome and Apostle Paul experienced trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and the sword. (Romans 8:35) Though in the covenant of the blood, sanctified by the blood and the Spirit they suffered for the name sake of Jesus.
Prior to quoting verse 22, Apostle Paul wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) Just as all creation was subjected to frustration as in the pains of childbirth, not by its choice (Romans 8:20, 22), so the congregation in Rome and the Sons of Korah had been subject to frustrations and persecution not because they had done anything wrong. (Romans 8:23) Suffering in Christ, that is for his name’s sake, is normal and to be expected for all believers in Jesus the Messiah.
Though the Sons of Korah, the congregation in Rome, and myself are directed by God’s orchestration to participate in the suffering of Christ (1 Peter 4:13), who though he was righteous and the Son of God was a man of sorrow and familiar with suffering, was more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) Though Jesus was crucified he rose to life and is seated at the right hand of God. (Romans 8:32, 34)
Apostle Peter writes to all congratulations in the covenant of the blood, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:12-17) The judgment is executed by God.
Hope and help by the Spirit exist though I have weakness while suffering for his name’s sake. (Romans 8:24, 26) More on this in the next few BDBD.
