03-22-15 Glory In The Thorn

Glory in the Thorn    March 22, 2015
Matthew 27:27-31 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Most know these thorns represent the guilt and shame He bore for us, but God before ordained it for His glory. Abraham waited for God’s promise of a son, then God asked Abraham to offer Isaac. Through it He proved Abraham’s love and trust in God. Abraham believed God and God provided the ram that was stuck in a thicket of thorns.
Philippians 2:7-11 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus suffered and will be exalted.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
They put the thorns on Him to mock Him, but it made Him more beautiful. It was to make Jesus complete through sufferings. The Devil tried everything he could to keep Jesus off the cross, but it was part of God’s plan. He took all that suffering so He could be all that glory. The importance of the thorns for us is He gives them to us to suffer together with Him. His was a crown of thorns – He bore it all. Ours is just one thorn.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
All of us were given a thorn. We are to be like Him, He is the glory. Paul rejoiced and praised God. It was a glory to Paul to have all these needs. All it takes for full glory for us is one thorn. If you’ll embrace the thorn, it will cost you. The thorn brings shame, but like Paul realize you are counted worthy to take it. Wear the thorn for His glory. There was a joy set before Jesus. Glory in being made low, this is our reasonable service. To believe Him and suffer for His name’s sake. The thorn brings me into joint suffering with Him.
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
God has the perfect thorn for you. Never forget the part of glorified together = exalted to the same glory as Christ. Thank Him for the faith to believe that – what grace! Believe Paul’s gospel. The word works effectually.
1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
We can understand when people come against us but we struggle when we fail. He takes us to the end of ourselves, so it is Him that does it. The word causes us to will and do of His good pleasure. There was the bridal joy set before Him which had to be how He endured the cross. But we have the same bridal joy, the abundance of the grace of God. He is worth it! Rejoice in the hardships – when the glory is revealed we’ll be glad with exceeding joy!