SUNDAY November 1, 2026

Glorifying God

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their [ungodly blasphemers] part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
1 Peter 4:14

Again, you need to remember that you are a representative of Christ in a world that is very hostile toward Christians. They hate the Gospel message. When any of us takes a stand for the Gospel’s sake, Jesus is exalted and glorified. I love that! Do you know what else happens when we fearlessly and boldly speak about Jesus? People see our bold witness, and they are influenced to place their faith in Jesus Christ.

Did you know that the phrase Spirit of glory speaks of God's presence or His Shekinah glory? In the wilderness, the Shekinah glory of God came upon the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). When reviled, the Spirit of glory rests upon our lives. God's Shekinah glory comes upon us as believers.  We have the comforting presence of His Holy Spirit working in our lives.

When Christians stand true to God’s Word, and they are reproached, what else are they to realize? They are in fact blessed by the Lord. Therefore, they should not murmur, complain, or feel sorry for themselves. It is a privilege to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake.

In Acts 5:17-41, Peter and some of the other apostles were imprisoned. At night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and they continued to speak to the people about Christ. The Jewish council had gathered and asked for the apostles to be brought before them, but they were gone! After being told they were teaching in the Temple, the captain went peacefully to bring them before the council.

After receiving counsel from Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, Peter and the apostles were beaten, told again not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then let go. What was the apostles’ reaction to all these things? They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’ name.

Would you have the same reaction?

No man is fit to comprehend heavenly things who hath not resigned himself to suffer adversities for Christ.
~Thomas a Kempis~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!