And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14: 21, 22, NKJV.
Dear God, by Your grace we know that we shall make it “through many tribulations.” So please provide us with the necessary grace and strength. We pray these things in the holy name of Jesus Christ, who walked this path before us. Amen.
As we begin our study today, there is a saying that comes to mind. It was made very popular in song, some years ago. It went something like this: “I never promised you a rose garden.” We use this saying to remind ourselves and others, that things can, and will, go wrong, in our lives; and that hardship is just a sign that we are alive! That is really no consolation when we are hurting, but it does echo a truth that is worth remembering: we are caught in the midst of the cosmic warfare between Good and Evil!
We reason to ourselves that it is okay to apply the possibility of suffering to the life of non-believers. But should not Christians be able to boast that we are covered with the blood? I say a hearty yes to that! I boast about it daily! The very thought brings me much peace! I often quote from Exodus 12: 13, “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”
But in the use of this text, and so many others, we take them out of their context, and try to make them fit a situation that they were not intended to address, literally. In saying this, am I even remotely suggesting that the blood has lost its power? Never! Never! Never! You and I know, that the blood “will never lose its power!” Praise God! Therefore, can we, in a sermon, after looking at the text in its context, find a modern day application for it? Certainly! I do this quite often.
Another example would be, “The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34: 7, emphasis provided). Yet Christians continue to suffer! Have they lost the fight against evil? No! But occasionally, we might lose a round in the match. Must we conclude that God has changed? A thousand times No! It is just that, the battle continues.
Our Scripture for today informs us that the apostles “strengthened” and “exhorted” the believers with the words: ““We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” You may ask, “Where do we find strength in such a foreboding message?” Let me submit for your consideration the following adage: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” What I am trying to say is, Thank God that we know what we are up against, and can run for refuge in the Lord, our Rock, who is, our “shelter in the time of storm” (Vernon Charlesworth)! Glory to God!
Does that mean that we will not be caught in the midst of the storm? Not necessarily! What it does mean, is that we have no need to fear, “Sheltered protected, no evil can harm me; Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore” (William O. Cushing). Emphasis supplied. Note that the author does not say, no evil can befall me, but that it cannot harm me! This is in accordance with Jesus’ words, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10: 28, 29). Hallelujah!
The sparrows can only fall, in accordance with the “Father’s will,” and He has already made provision to bear us up in His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33: 27)! Hallelujah! Besides, we are much more precious to the Father than many sparrows! Therefore, dearly beloved, regardless of what you are going through right now, do not give up – just press on!