To Be a Partaker

I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 1:9

There are three things mentioned here that we as followers of Christ are called to be partakers of. 

1. Tribulation.

      As disciples of Jesus we are called to suffering for His sake,

Because to you it has been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf.

Philippians 1:29

Just as the first apostles, the early Church, and Christ Jesus Himself suffered persecution at the hands of the world, we to are called to suffer as we live for Jesus in an unbelieving world. But we are to rejoice in this, we are in good company (Matthew 5:12)

2.  A Kingdom.

     As believers in Jesus we have been translated into a new kingdom, one that is not of this world.

Who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love.

Colossians 1:13

It is a kingdom we are now part of, and make our life's priority to see it grow (Matthew 6:33). While everything around us may be shaken, this kingdom cannot. It will endure for all time.

Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace whereby we may offer service well pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 13:28-29

3. Patience.

     Patience here means perseverance, or steadfast. When trials and tribulation come our way, by God's grace we can stand firm and unmovable, enduring unto the end. 

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand: and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness, and approvedness, hope: and hope putterh not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.

Romans 5:1-5

What Satan uses to destroy our faith is actually a means to endurance as we put our trust in Jesus. 

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world 

John 16:33

Be Not Anxious.

In the sermon on the mount we read,
     Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they (Matt 6:25-26).

Jesus goes on to show us that the world is caught up in the struggle for things. These things mentioned here are even necessary things such as food and clothing. Yet He assures us that our heavenly Father will take care of us.

So why is it that we often are consumed with anxiety over things such as these? Do we not believe Jesus when He tells us to focus on the kingdom of heaven, and God will provide these things for us?

We find in Paul's epistle to the Philippians the cure for anxiety.

     In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7).

Instead of worry, we are to take all of our cares and burdens to the Lord. The verse says everything. It is an act of faith to cast our needs and cares, with thanksgiving, upon Christ. But if we do so, releasing them to Him, we have the assurance of His peace filling our hearts and minds.