When we read that the birth pains started, we know there’s more to come. In this case, we’re still not yet at the ‘good part’. So what more can we expect, we might not want to experience it. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Matthew 24:9 NIV
[9] “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Hated, because we Belong
Have you ever been mistreated because of your faith? If not, like me, you are living a blessed life. Religious persecution is on the rise, and in some places, the extremism is coming from persons who claim Christ is Lord. I want us to note that we’re not hassling about exclusion only, but perhaps laws that permit inhumane acts.
Self-Check
What would we do if persecution came our way?
Reality/Application
Siblings, there are places where Christianity is outlawed. Some of us will recall ‘modern’ stories of persecuted believers, missionaries, church leaders, ordinary persons, and sometimes their entire families, who’ve either been harshly punished or lost their lives for the Gospel’s sake. It is real. It has already been included in Bible prophecy.
Ours is not to become worried. Though it is daunting, we recognize that persecution is inevitable. What we do need, is a plan that unites us as we attempt to maintain calm in such a storm. We also will need to ensure that we are praying for the families of the persecuted. We must also be in prayer for the spiritual and mental well-being of those facing and surviving such attacks.
Presently, we know of severe attacks in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Since the fall of overt communism, there seems to be fewer reports of such in Europe and Latin America.
Is persecution waning, I can’t say definitively. But if it is on the rise, we must be prepared … will we be a secret believer like Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea, or do we head for cover for our families’ sake?
Point to Ponder
Remember that we can’t put our shoulder to the plow, and then remove it. We live faithfully and totally for Christ.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
