TOPIC: AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 33, 34; 1 Peter 5
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” Psalm 34: 19 (KJV).
The Word of God is very clear about the place of affliction in our Christian journey. It is mere fallacy to believe and teach affliction-free Christian race. It is proper that we understand what the word affliction means. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines affliction as ‘a cause of persistent pain or suffering’, ‘great suffering’ and ‘the state of being afflicted by something that causes suffering’. When we consider the meaning of affliction to our focal scriptures above, one will begin to wonder why our loving and caring Father will allow His children to experience such level of severity of pain.
We have many scriptural examples of men who suffered affliction in the scripture. David was anointed to be king as directed by God, but passed through the crucible of pain, suffering, humiliation and affliction before he mounted the throne. Joseph had a very accurate dream of his destiny but went through slavery and imprisonment to achieve his glorious destiny. The bible says in Hebrews 11: 36-37 (KJV), “And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;”
There are many reasons or causes of afflictions. Affliction can be inflicted on others by reason of conquest as in Exodus 3:7 (KJV), “And the LORD said I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters;” Affliction can be inflicted on someone by persecution due to someone’s believe as in 1 Peter 5:9(KJV), “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”. Apostle Paul along with other Apostles suffered affliction for his believe and faith in God-Acts 20:23(KJV). Affliction can be self-inflicted as a result of sin and punishment for sin, Jeremiah 30:15(KJV) “Why criest thou for thine affliction? Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity, because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee”. Affliction can be used by God as a learning process to pass across knowledge that will take you to your next level, Isaiah 30:20(KJV), “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner anymore, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers;” Affliction can be used by God as a tool of refinement towards perfection, Isaiah 48:10(KJV), “Behold I havrefined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of Affliction.”
My dear reader, though affliction will come to us in our heavenly pilgrimage, it is very important for us to have a clear understanding of the place of affliction and God’s position concerning the affliction we go through to achieve our goal of paradise. God who sent His Son to die for us out of His great love for us will not give us up to affliction for destruction. To be continued in our next discussion.
Prayer: Give me the grace and resilience I need to overcome affliction and accomplish my heavenly race.
Pastor Joel Ezeugo