Suffering has Companions

Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalms 143, 144

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

Revelation 1:9

John’s testimony and letter to the churches indicates that suffering and patient endurance are normal for those who live in relationship with Jesus and are citizens of his kingdom. More specifically, those who hold to the Word of God as their truth-standard and the Gospel as their message will be persecuted.

Why is this relatively rare in our experience in the Western Church?

Why do we avoid suffering and instead preach a gospel of success and prosperity if we, too, are in Jesus?

Which Jesus are we preaching in the Western Church?

John’s love for the churches and their witness to Jesus cost him everything. He was a brother and a companion more than an apostle or bishop. As a companion to those who suffered for the Gospel, John’s words still bring hope and comfort even though they are challenging and prophetic. When we risk everything for Jesus, we will find John is our companion too.

“Lord Jesus, you are worthy of any cost and any risk, for your glory.”