Corrective Alignment
Perseverance, Discipline, Repentance
Partnering for endurance
“I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus…” – Revelation 1:9, CSB
“As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent.” – Revelation 3:19, CSB
Someone who’s walked this path
John knows what it is to experience affliction for the sake of Christ, which makes him an excellent source of encouragement still today. We are hearing from a man who speaks from first-hand experience, not mere theory, when he says he’s a brother and partner with us in:
Affliction that comes with following Jesus
The kingdom of God that opens up to us in Jesus
The endurance that we also receive in Jesus.
With calling comes promise
The churches to whom John writes during his lifetime are enduring many things, and will be called to endure many more, but along with this calling comes the promise of reward to follow. And from whom does this promise and reward come? It comes from none other than their glorious Lord Jesus. For them and for us, there will be times rightly described as suffering or affliction (Revelation 2:10). There will be seasons of “holding on” to Jesus (2:13). There will even be times when the affliction we feel is actually… are you ready for this…? the loving rebuke from Jesus Himself!
Zealous embrace
It's true. Jesus disciplines all those He loves, but never so that we will just cower or quit. “Be zealous and repent,” will mean embracing His corrective love, and getting back in step with Him. We can rightly receive His challenge today: “When I’m correcting you, it’s so you can not only endure difficulty, but so you can make it all the way. Embrace the changes I’m asking and instructing you to make. Align and re-align your life, and your corporate life together, with Mine. It will involve seasons of difficulty, but there will also be ‘kingdom!’ I’m giving you all the strength you need for this.”
Think:
Have you ever been encouraged by the motivation from a coach, athlete, or inspirational leader who experienced significant obstacles in their life story? What is so meaningful about encouragement from someone who’s ‘been through some stuff?’
In what ways have you experienced corrective discipline that has strengthened you for greater success later?
Is there a specific way you feel challenged toward ‘zealous repentance’ in your own life?
What inspires a sports team to be ‘zealous’ about correcting behaviors or practices that are hindering their success? In what similar way could you inspire the people with whom you have influence toward ‘zealous repentance’ in their own lives?
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for grace and strength to receive Your corrective love and Your discipline. I know You bring these as a gift to better align me with Your ways, to strengthen me for Your kingdom purpose, and to prepare me to persevere through whatever affliction may come on this journey. Please help me to partner well with You in preparing others well for the challenges that lie ahead of us as we follow You.”