So what? (Revelation 101)

In Luke 21, as Jesus gives his disciples a sort of executive brief on the things to happen during the period of the time of his departure and the time of his coming again, Jesus made it clear that the disciples (or you who believe) would not be exempt from going through the difficulties hardships ordeals challenges (even martyrdom). In fact he said these will come to you exactly because you believe in Him, as is written: "the world hates you because of me." John 15:19 [Remember: hatred takes on all different forms like the world throwing at you all sort of garbage like a lot of R-rated Hollowood movies.]

Similarly in the book of revelation John describes dreadful events such as persecutions earthquakes pestilences tsunamis outpouring of demonic forces etc. hitting the people living on the planet earth. (For details read Rev. 2-3; 6 - 20).

Question: why does God allow all these to come the way of even the righteous?

The answer is hinted in Luke 21:13, "So you will bear testimony to me."

 

If something bears testimony to a fact, it proves that it is true. Example usage - The numerous awards on his walls bear witness to his great success. [Free online dictionary by Farlex]

 

Jesus' testimony (or testimony on Jesus) is either true or false. All that happened to him (like his death and 'resurrection') and all that he taught and did and is going to do or not do (as recorded in the Scriptures) are either true or false. The question is how are you going to prove it as true or false?

 

We find the answer to the question in Proverbs 17:3, "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests  the heart." Daniel in the book of Daniel passed the test, only to prove that the God he believed in is the only true God. Speaking of the similar effect, Peter says trials and hardships come your way for a purpose (for you) that your faith is genuine, which in turn proves that what or the one you believe in is true, not fake. So they put you through the fires of ordeal, and you come out 'unscathed'!

 

* Bonus question: why is 'hard' times 'hard'? Answer: hard times are 'hard' in that it is a 'testing' moment. So 'good' times can be 'harder' than the 'hard' times.  Deu 32:15 says Jeshulun grew fat and kicked...then she rejected the Rock (Jesus the Son of God). So fat times are worse than 'lean' times.
So I used to say to missionaries in Africa, "Life in Africa is 'hard', but life in the U.S. is harder." And I have not heard many committing suicide in Africa, but why is it hat I hear the same in the U.S.?

* Another bonus question: who gets benefited the most by you bearing testimony to Jesus Christ, in good times and in bad times, esp. in good times? You? Jesus Christ? Someone else? Answer: you.

So what is the point? If you are stressed out for anything or anyone or any event that hits you, consider the purpose, that is, beearing testimony to Jesus Christ. Then joy will become only complete. Sounds dogmatic?