“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
“The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” Psalm 69:9
“As we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:5
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own.., but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 2:5-8; 3:7-12
“Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:13-14
When God created man in His image, He blessed man with an exquisite ability to share in facets of His experience, character, and Spirit. Since the fall, those who believe are through life sanctified to be more and more like Him. This ongoing process involves sharing in His reproach and deliverance, suffering and comfort, temptation and victory, death and resurrection life. (1 John 3:2)
When we set out on our own way, we choose independence over sharing anything. We prefer to structure our days how we want toward self-determined ends with no intrusions or interruptions. We’re driven to activities and interactions by personal ambition, in our own strength. Neglecting a heavenly mindset, we pursue earthly goals with earthly means. We might even achieve some temporal satisfaction.
But when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, we’ll increasingly desire to share His mind, will, and vitality. The Christ-life that involves dejection, suffering, and temptation, will most sweetly also share His loving comfort, resurrection power, and victory. Are we welcoming and enjoying this fellowship? (Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-2)
How will we open ourselves to deeper intimacy with Christ? Every shared experience brings greater knowing and increased Christ-likeness that glorifies Him.
“Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!” ~Charles Wesley (1739)
Lord, may I willingly share in all You have done and are, to Your glory and praise.
