January 5 - Counted Worthy.

Acts 5:41
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
 
They were beaten.
They were commanded not to speak in the Name of Jesus. 
 
Acts 5:40
“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”
 
They were released.
 
Instead of choosing to run and hide, they did what would have likely been the furthest from our minds…
 
They rejoiced. 
 
While wounded from the beating they had endured at the hands of their persecutors, they chose to rejoice. 
 
How could they find a reason to rejoice in the midst of their pain and suffering?
 
They were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Jesus. 
 
We may not find ourselves with physical wounds of persecution, but we often bear scars from what we endure in our service to Him. 
 
He suffered for us as He took our place. 
May we choose to rejoice because we have been counted worthy to suffer for Him. 
 
Acts 5:42
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
 
Proclaim His Name today, and every day.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Genesis 9-10    |     John 5