“but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13).
In one sense, our text from 1 Peter 4:13 is easy to grasp, for it reflects a familiar aspect of the human experience.
For instance, let’s consider the example of a student who would rather do almost anything but study. Nevertheless, the satisfaction and approval that accompanies a good grade is often enough to motivate that student to endure the tedious rigors of academic study. A musician may find little joy in lengthy rehearsals or the monotonous task of playing scales. Yet, the musician willingly invests in such things in order to master a challenging piece. An athlete may not enjoy the repetitive drills and exercises that are essential to success in his or her sport. However, the athlete looks forward to the triumph that can only emerge from a steadfast commitment to those fundamentals.
In a similar manner, those who participate in the sufferings of Christ now will “…be glad with exceeding joy” when His glory is revealed. Jesus touched upon this subject in the Biblical book of Revelation when He said, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21).
Thus, as the following verse in 1 Peter chapter four will go on to remind us, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you…” Since it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), these instances offer an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in Him. 2 Corinthians 4:17 provides us with a further incentive: “…our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (NIV).
Then, as now, Jesus’ followers should be willing to accompany Him in that place of suffering wherever it may be. As Jesus Himself once said to His followers…
“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all” (Matthew 10:24-26 NLT).