I Deserve This

Only a few people say, “I deserve this”, when trials, difficulties and losses happen to them. For this reason there is so much complaining and murmuring in the world. People do not recognize that they have been sowing seeds that now bear a harvest to them.

Many say that there is no justice in the world, which is true. If there would be justice then we all would be dead, since the wages of sin is death. But there is mercy in the world. Sinners and criminals have a good life, which they do not deserve.

Two criminals were crucified beside the cross of Jesus. They represent the two classes of people in the Christian churches. One of them said, “If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.” Luke 23:39. Many people expect that religion will save them from the penalty and suffering that their sins have brought upon them. They do not consider that the seed they have sown now brings to them the harvest. They have no joy in their Christian experience.

The other group is represented by the other thief on the cross. He said, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation” And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done nothing amiss.” Luke 23:40, 41. He was suffering great pain, but yet did not complain. He accepted the fact that he deserved this death penalty.

David committed a great sin when he caused the death of Uriah. Because of this he lost four of his children prematurely. God said further to David, “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me, and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.” 2 Sam. 12:10.

David repented of his sin, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” 2 Sam. 12: 13, 14.

David fasted and pleaded with the Lord for the child, but it was in vain; the child died. The Lord forgave David his sin, but did not remove the harvest of his evil seed he had sown.

The Lord has made a law, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7.

This law applies especially to the children of God. He may not always punish the evildoers now. They will receive their punishment after the 1000 years. But His own children He does chasten and discipline now in this life. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Rev. 3:19.

Paul writes, “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not” But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Heb. 12:5-8.

When the Seventh-Day Adventists were the church of God, the punishments came upon them for their disobedience. They lost the Battle Creek Sanitarium and the printing house to fire. After 1914 when they were no more the church of God, they could do greater sins and had no more punishments.

The only one who has suffered and did not deserve it was Christ. He was mocked, ridiculed, even hated and finally put to death. Yet He did not complain. He was the only One who could have complained rightfully, but His love toward the sinners made Him to bear His sufferings cheerfully.

Sister White writes, “Never speak a word of complaint or faultfinding. There are churches in which the spirituality has been almost killed, because the spirit of backbiting has been allowed to enter.” CG p. 551.

“Spiritual disease is the sure result of giving way to this fretting, complaining, murmuring spirit. And this disease of soul will be your own fault.” Test. Vol. 5, p. 117.

“Do not encourage criticism and complaining. Let no murmur or complaints come from your lips; remember that angels hear these words.” Test. Vol. 7, p. 183.

Every moment of our lives have been planned by God for our character development. If we let Him lead us, we all will make it to heaven. But when the fiery trials come our way and we start complaining and murmuring, then the Lord will leave us alone. Our complaining does grieve the Holy Spirit to the point that He may leave us. This happened to old Israel in the wilderness. Because of their murmurings, they could not enter into the Promised Land.

Apostle Paul learned the blessing that comes with trials and persecutions. He writes, “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.” 2 Cor. 12:10.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding weight of glory.” 2 Cor. 4:17.

Peter also learned the same, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:7.

God’s plan for His children is that they would always be happy and rejoicing. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11.

David said, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4. “Rejoice evermore.” 1 Thess. 5:16.

“They will show that in the path of obedience and duty there is contentment and even joy.” CT p. 98.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Prov. 17:22. “Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God’s love and care”these are health”s greatest safeguard. To the Israelites they were to be the keynote of life.” MH p. 281.

Doctors today have found that unhappiness and bitterness cause physical diseases, while happiness and joy work as medicine.

It is lack of faith that makes people to complain when difficulties surround them. With faith in God’s promises all uncertainty will be swept away. We will trust in God”s leading and protection that He will not let us perish, but only purify us by these trials.

“The apostles counted not their lives dear unto themselves, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. Paul and Silas suffered the loss of all things. They suffered scourging, and were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most painful position, their feet elevated and fastened in the stocks. Did repinings and complaints then reach the ear of the jailer” Oh, no! From the inner prison, voices broke the silence of midnight with songs of joy and praise to God. These disciples were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer, for which they suffered.

“As the truth of God fills our hearts, absorbs our affections, and controls our lives, we also will count it joy to suffer for the truth”s sake. No prison walls, no martyr’s stake, can then daunt or hinder us in the great work.” Test. Vol. 3, p. 406.

If we suffer for our sins and mistakes, then let us accept it as something we deserve, and learn lessons from them. If we suffer for the truth”s sake then let us rejoice and be glad for the honour that has been bestowed upon us by the Lord. AMEN.

Timo Martin, Canada