I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
-- Rev 1:9 NIV
John had just told his readers that Jesus had made "us to be a kingdom and priests" to serve God. He had identified himself with them as the people of God, but now he also identifies himself with them as a brother and companion in "suffering" and "patient endurance" that are ours in Jesus. It is a paradox, but true, God's kingdom and suffering go together. Those who have enlisted as soldiers of Christ Jesus must be willing to share in suffering. The soldier is not above his king, nor a disciple above his teacher. The king learned obedience by the things he suffered, and his soldiers learn the same way. The king won his victory because he did not shrink from suffering and death, and his soldiers also win the victory because they do not "love their lives so much as to shrink from death" (Rev 12:11 NIV). The battle has raged from the time of John. It rages today in many parts of the world. The battle will continue to rage, and even become more ominous, but those who are faithful until death will receive a crown of life (Rev 2:10).
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