Colossians 1:24 “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:”
Like the other Apostles, Paul rejoiced that He was “counted worthy to suffer shame for his name”; that is, for the “name” of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He rejoiced in his “sufferings for” the Church, the Bride of Christ. Our Lord put it this way, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). The Lord tells us all that “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). The faithful Children of God, in every generation are often exposed to shameful treatments, sufferings, and tribulations as they stand in stark contrast to the world around them that is guided and motivated by carnal lust, greed, power, and immorality. John put it this way, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (I John 2:18). The “antichrists” hate anything to do with Jesus Christ, and take every opportunity to fight against Him and His People, His Church, and His Word. Therefore, let us “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2) for we know that our Blessed Lord, His Church, and His People are worthy of whatever “temptations”, tribulations and sufferings, we may encounter in our service to Him in this present life. Even in the very face of troubles, we have every reason to rejoice; for, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” (Psalms 28:7)!