Counted Worthy

Today’s reading: Acts 5

“The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” - Acts‬ ‭5:41‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Most of us would probably see imprisonment and beatings as a distraction for being able to share the message of Jesus to those who actually want to hear it.

The apostles thought differently. They viewed it as an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus. This is the same name that healed a man who couldn’t walk in chapter three. Now this name of Jesus had allowed them to suffer painful and humiliating beatings.

Many of us wear out the question, “Why?”

We don’t see this question being asked here. The apostles knew why they were suffering and they counted it as an honor. Jesus had promised them trouble (John 16:33). They were both expecting it and turning it into an opportunity for a strong witness to the authenticity of their faith.

May we join our first century forefathers in their perspective on what it looks like to follow Jesus.