-October 30, 2021-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
(2 Timothy 3:12).
The apostles and many believers in the NT times suffered persecution for their faith in Christ. Instead of being something negative, they rejoiced in the Lord they could suffer for their blessed Lord. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-13, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Peter and John were arrested in Jerusalem for publicly preaching in the name of Jesus. They were beaten and warned not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus. Acts 5:41 says, “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” In many parts of the world today, believers are suffering persecution for Jesus’ sake. We pray for them, and they pray for us. Persecution purifies the church.
Persecution comes in many forms: physical beatings, humiliation, deprivation, confiscation of possessions, false accusations, and even martyrdom. Even in the U.S.A. Christians are mocked, ridiculed, and discriminated against. When “we desire to live godly in Christ Jesus we will suffer persecution.” It doesn’t say we may suffer persecution, but we will. The devil doesn’t waste his ammunition on uncommitted Christians; they are of no threat to him. He goes after the godly Christians living for Christ, speaking for the Lord, and serving Him.
How should handle those who persecute us? Argue? Fight back? No! Jesus gave us instructions in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Paul wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil. If it possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place for wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:17, 18, 19).
Have a blessed day living godly, speaking for the Lord, and serving Him. And when you are persecuted, consider yourself blessed and worthyto suffer for Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 