For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21)
It is very interesting for Christians that they are called for sufferings, because most of them dream that everything goes well. It is a characteristic many religions are having. All religions in the world want to live successful life, so when people get sick they rely upon the religion and ask for recovery, when be in poverty they desire money, even they get its help for their honor or power. Of course, we can see that Jesus cured a disease of many people and let the poor eat, but we must remember that the object of coming of him wasn’t just those miracles for them. Then, what was the purpose of him? The answer is the death.
Jesus announced in advance about his death to his disciples several times. Nevertheless, the disciples couldn’t understand the meaning of words; Peter kept Jesus’ hold on, and they were scattered when he died. If they had understood enough his object, they would bow respectfully watching his death.
How about the looks of Christian today? To tell the truth, our figure is not different from their one, because they didn’t think that they can be suffered when they believe Jesus Christ. They were afraid of persecutions and unprepared to accept the time of hardship, but they want to avoid adversities and to know the glory of Heaven. However, it is impossible for Christian to keep away from a way of suffering.
The death of Jesus means not only just that he died for us, but that he set a good example to Christians for working them to his trace. In other words, the suffering of Jesus is a way that we must walk along.
Look at Paul. He was bitten many and many a time, experienced a prison life, and even was killed off because he was a Christian, but he took it all for granted. James, Stephen, and Peter are in the same manner. They were tried in the furnace, but they were happy in that time, and even they gave a glory to God. If you undergo hardships, don’t be afraid, because it is evidence saying that we are following a trace of the Lord.
