Jesus provokes controversy.
And it’s not unusual for those who follow him to find themselves in trouble.
The litany of Paul’s troubles (see, for example, 2 Corinthians 11:24-27)
testifies to the breadth of difficulties that can attend someone who has given
his life to Christ. Yet, despite the fact that Paul finds himself in unwanted, even perilous circumstances, he
rejoices (see Philippians 1:12). How? Paul’s ability to rejoice
while enduring persecution grows from his profound appreciation of the gospel. Like
the man who stumbled upon the treasure, or the merchant who came across a pearl
of unprecedented beauty, he was willing to give up everything, including his life,
in order to possess Christ. Why is
the gospel so precious to him? Because he knew that grace was just that, grace,
and it had been extended even to him.
It’s notable how often
Paul’s persecution of the church is referred to in his writings. The depth of this
sinfulness seems never to have left him, at least on this side of glory. Even
in one of his last writings he remarks, “I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and
insolent opponent “(1 Timothy 1:13), an echo of a previous statement in which
he confesses, “I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9). I think
it’s this persistent memory that fuels his cherishing of the gospel. He knew
that God had granted him an eternity that he did not deserve and rescued him
from one that he did.
I haven’t participated in
the arrest and execution of any of Jesus’ disciples, but my mocking and
blasphemous tongue made me as worthy of condemnation as Paul. But God in his
grace rescued me from myself. I pray I will treasure the gospel with the same
warmth as Paul so that I can whole-heartedly serve him, whatever the circumstance, and confess with the
apostle, “. . . to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
