By Timothy W. Burnett
God in heaven also gave us many stories to learn from. He wants us to learn patience and be comforted from the stories of our spiritual heritage. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope"
(Romans 15:4). Our underlying hope is that of salvation. Because of that hope we can learn patience and be comforted by the stories of other believers in times past. We can read through the Acts and see wonderful stories of God's people. We are encouraged by their courage. Present troubles are faced with peace and soundness of mind as we dwell on the stories of God's people in the first century church who suffered great persecution under the Jewish and Roman governments. And to see that after they were scattered abroad, they simply continued to teach the truth of Jesus Christ to others.
When we read the stories of Jesus Christ's sufferings we learn how to handle false accusations, mock trials and unjust punishments for acting rightly.
1Peter 2:11-25 covers this beautifully. See verses 20 - 23, "For what glory is it, if, when you are buffeted for your faults, you shall take it patiently? But if when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even herunto were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again. When he suffered, he threatened not. But committed himself to Him that judges righteously." We can identify with the stories of Jesus Christ's sufferings and be encouraged by his courage.
In this light, next week will begin a series on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. While reading through the conception and birth of Jesus Christ, notice the stories of his mother and step-father. Jesus learned love, humility, meekness, confidence, patience, endurance, and more by watching and learning from his parents to the end that he could have the courage to give his own life for all of mankind. While in that garden he prayed to his Daddy and asked for that cup to pass by him. He could have just as easily walked off and refused such suffering and death. But instead he said, "Not my will be done, but your will be done" (Luke 22:40-44).
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