November 8
We shudder to think of the tribulation and misfortune that befell the apostles of Jesus. The reality of their lives was a far cry from the pleasant, pastoral paintings in our children’s story books. The idyllic pictures that portray their labor to propagate the good news of Christ just scratch the surface of reality.
We know they were misunderstood and mocked. We know they were beaten and stoned and left for dead when angry mobs wearied of their message (see II Corinthians 11:25 and Acts 14:19). Church tradition tells us that they were slain cruelly, by being skinned, boiled in oil, beheaded. Even the forces of nature were at times arrayed against them as they journeyed the known world to share the gospel (see Acts 27:9-12).
Their courage under the hostility of man and the ravages of nature reminds us that we must face the tribulations of life with the same resolve that compelled them to go forward despite adversity. We have their example of perseverance to fortify our own determination to not only witness Jesus to the lost but also to steadfastly endure in faith when the tides of fortune do not go our way. We also have the word of the Lord Himself to Paul when he was shipwrecked while endeavoring to reach Italy so he could minister there.
In Acts 27:24 Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar and God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.” As with Paul, our purpose will be achieved. He has set our course and He will enable us to attain our destination. We and those with us will reach the goal He has charted for us. We may have a dangerous journey over a tumultuous sea but He will see us to our destination as He has done for the faithful through the ages.
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