Mark 15:15 So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. 16 The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor's headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. 17 They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. 18 Then they saluted him and taunted, "Hail! King of the Jews!" 19 And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. 20 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.Gal. 6:17 ... For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.Phil. 1:29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
When I read that verse from Philippians this morning, a small fear and a small urge battled inside me. After reading what Christ went through to purchase my Freedom, I know that He is calling me to suffer with Him, so that I may experience the Resurrection life! So, this morning, as I sat there on the bus, gripped with the sobering reality of giving up my life (Gal. 2:20, Luke 9:23-24), I whispered this simple and genuine prayer that I know He will honor: "Lord Jesus, let me suffer for you. Let me bear scars on my body to show who I serve. May I be counted worthy of your grace."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, thank you for spending your life for mine; thank you for enduring the suffering and shame of this wicked world. Lord, help me deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow you. Holy Spirit, wash me in the Word and purify me. Use me as you please. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the one who purchased my life. Amen.
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