Christians are meant to have the same vocation as their King, that of cross-bearers. It is this conscience of a high calling and of partnership with Jesus which brings gladness in tribulations, which makes Christians enter prisons for their faith with the joy of a bridegroom entering the bridal room.
Interpretation
Christians share a divine calling that empowers them to endure suffering with joy.
This quote emphasizes the notion that Christians are called to emulate the sacrifices of Christ, bearing their own burdens with a sense of purpose and joy even in difficult circumstances. It underscores the idea that faith provides strength and happiness, allowing believers to face hardships with a spirit of celebration rather than despair, highlighting the profound connection they share with their faith and the figure of Jesus.
In practice
In a sermon about perseverance, one might say, 'As Richard Wurmbrand noted, Christians are meant to bear their crosses with joy, even in the face of adversity.'
There was once a fiddler who played so beauitully that everybody danced. A deaf man who could not hear the music considered them all insane. Those who are with Jesus in suffering hear this music to which other men are deaf. They dance and do not care if they are considered insane.
Some tell me Preach the pure gospel! This reminds me that the Communist secret police also told me to preach Christ, but not to mention communism. Is it really so, that those who are for what is called a pure gospel are inspired by the same spirit as those of the Communist secret police?
It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists' ] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.
God will judge us not according to how much we endured, but how much we could love
A faith that can be destroyed by suffering is not faith.
A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for.
I trust Jesus with all my tomorrows, knowing that He will solve the mystery of life beyond the grave.
There are no 'if's' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety - let us pray that we may always know it!
What if all it took to bring us to our knees and to ignite our affections was the Word opened and the presence of God? What if that was enough for us? What if it didn't take a great band to evoke that kind of response from us in worship? What if His presence - His Word opened - what if it was enough?
Whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.
I gave up all for Christ, and what have I found? Everything in Christ.
I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word 'Whosoever' is a very wide and comprehensive one...My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver.
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