I was reminded this morning of the hymn that used to be sung in churches that started with the question, “Are ye able,” said the Master, “to be crucified with me?”
Some of you reading this just now are hearing the melody in your mind just now. Here is a link to an orchestral presentation of the song.
Thinking of the lyrics as I heard this group playing gave me goose bumps and deeply stirred to me to reflect on how Christ’s radiance could lead me closer to His plan for my life.
“Are Ye Able” calls us to publicly declare our willingness to encounter personal sacrifice and even persecution because of our faith.
The reality, though, is that we’ve experienced little or no physical persecution in this country because of our faith.
Certainly not to the extent faced by believers in many countries around the world and clearly not to the extent suffered by the Apostle Paul.
You’ve read of how he was repeatedly beaten, imprisoned, famished and ultimately murdered because of his faith.
What kind of physical abuse would you tolerate without forsaking Christ? Or even financial or social abuse? It’s a sobering question we each need to ponder.
We can’t know for certain how we’d hold up spiritually in the face of persecution, but we should continue growing in our spiritual wisdom and personal ministry experience so that we’re prepared for the battle whenever it confronts us.
Let these words from Paul serve as an example of commitment to be imitated, no matter what level of persecution we face.
“I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13).
Let’s speak up more for Christ at work, at home and in our neighborhood.
Let’s be able for the God who is able to make all grace abound to us so that in all things at all times, having all that we need, we will abound in every good work (2 Cor 9:8).
As always, I love you
Martin
