Many centuries ago, a highly respected, much loved and faithful Christian was arrested and imprisoned by order of a heathen Roman emperor. The emperor, wishing to make an example of the believer, was in a quandary as to what punishment inflicted would be the most painful and cruel.
Sending for a leading pagan philosopher, he asked him, “What shall I do with this Christian? Shall I confiscate his goods?”
“It would be no use” was the reply, “for he says he possesses ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ. ’ ”
“Well then, shall I imprison him for life in the darkest, foulest dungeon I have available?”
“No, imprisonment won’t work, for he says he has a ‘Friend that sticketh closer than a brother’ who has promised ‘never to leave or forsake him. ’ ”
“Should I condemn him to banishment in a desert province?” cried the incredulous emperor.
“That will have no effect, for he already considers himself but a ‘stranger and a pilgrim’ in this world.”
With an angry exclamation, the emperor demanded, “What then shall I do with him? Shall I cut off his head, burn him, or throw him to the lions?”
“Most certainly not,” replied his adviser. “That is the very thing he would like, for he says to ‘die is gain.’ He actually desires, he says, to ‘depart and be with Christ, which is far better. ’ ”
The frustrated emperor shouted, “Well, what then do you advise I order as the worst punishment—one that will cause him the most pain and suffering?”
The heathen philosopher paused, and then he looked at the emperor with a cunning smile. “As far as I can tell, mighty Caesar, there is but one—and only one—thing which will cause the Christian great pain and suffering. Entice him to sin.”
Peace of conscience and happiness of heart are entirely the responsibility of the believer. Our blessed Lord Jesus said in John 13:1717If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17), “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
For the Christian, happiness and obedience can never be separated, and they are found in communion with the Father and the Son (John 14:2323Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)). We also read, “Blessed [happy] is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein” (Rev. 1:33Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3)).
The Lord Jesus was perfectly obedient in every step of His pathway. He said, “I do always those things that please Him [the Father]” (John 8:2929And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John 8:29)). As man, save for those three terrible hours on Calvary when He was made sin for us, the Lord Jesus enjoyed the full light and joy of unbroken communion with God.
In John 15 the Lord connects the keeping of His word with abiding in His love. He desired that His disciples would be obedient to His Word in order that His joy might remain in them and they might know its fullness. Oh! How important is obedience! May we ever walk as “obedient children” (1 Peter 1:1414As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: (1 Peter 1:14)).
Gems From My Reading (adapted)