Both 1 Cor 4:9b and Heb 10:33a tell us that the apostles have become or are made a spectacle to the world. The word "spectacle" usually means an exhibition, a show, a pageant, a gazingstock, a sight or an unseemly display. In ancient time there was usually a coliseum built in the capital of a country or an empire, which was used for games, contests and shows. Sometimes a government would put criminals in a coliseum to fight with wild animals for death-punishment and for entertainment of the public. The famous and grand Colosseum in Rome ( its ruins can still be seen at the present. ) was one of the examples. The apostle Paul used the phrase "being made a spectacle" as a metaphor, indicating that he and his co-workers were openly put to shame, forced to lose face, and humiliated, also in reproaches and in afflictions, such that they may become a laughingstock to the public.

We may also look at the situation from a different angle, that is, our entire life could be also considered as a stage, a spectacle, or a show. In any kind of shows there must be many players, and everyone is assigned to play a certain part of the show. Some may play a great role, and some small; but each player is important. Missing any one part would cause a failure to the show. Everyone must do his part and must do it well. Therefore, we should not despise our own role. You are needed, I am needed, and everybody is needed. This is exactly the same as in the Body of Christ. Every member should function, serve and bear fruit, and no one is standing idle.

Furthermore, it is God's sovereignty that He determines beforehand our appointed seasons and the boundaries of our dwelling ( Acts 17:26b ). At certain time, one is assigned to go up onto the stage, and at another time, he has to step down from the stage. No one can and should occupy the stage for too long. Never! For instance, the ministry of Elijah in the Old Testament was powerful, interesting and full of sense of humor, yet he had to exit from the scene at a designated time, the ministry of Elisha could then appear on the scene. Understanding this principle is essential in our life, otherwise, one would suffer, regret, murmur and complain about everything and everyone all day long.

I have written several essays in this corner of our webpage. I do not know how many saints would read them, and how are their reactions. Perhaps none to both questions. That is all right to me and will not discourage me from going on to more essay writings. Why do I have such confidence? Because I know that this burden is from the Lord, and it is also a part of my role in the "show". As long as the Lord wills, I am committed to do it and do it diligently and faithfully.

Although there may not be much truth in the above, it may encourage us to have a positive, healthy and normal Christian life and go on with the Lord by enjoying Him and experiencing Him, and thus live Him day by day.

Bro. Joseph