In the face of persecution (2)

 Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“And then, dear brothers, you suffered what the churches in Judea did, persecution from your own countrymen, just as they suffered from their own people, the Jews. After they had killed their own prophets, they even executed the Lord Jesus; and now they have brutally persecuted us and driven us out. They are against both God and man, trying to keep us from preaching to the Gentiles for fear some might be saved: and so their sins continue to grow. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.” 1 Thessalonians 2v14-16 (TLB)

As mentioned yesterday, the church has been persecuted from the early times, and is still being so now. This is not because of we as individuals personally, but because of the name we bear. Our Lord Jesus said “Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours. But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.” John 15v20-21 (AMP). Though persecution is tough, what should our attitude be towards it? Acts 5v40-42 (NIV) says “His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhendrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” We should never give in and give up our faith. We should know that in the midst if intense trials of faith, Jesus would show up for us just like He did for the 3 Hebrew children, appearing in the fiery furnace they were thrown into and making sure they came out alive (Daniel 3).

Supplementary Text

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5v10-12 (KJV)

Prayer

Father, we bless Your holy name, Lord Jesus, we thank You for being counted worthy to bear Your name. We ask for grace to endure in the face of persecution. We pray too for believers all over the world who are heavily afflicted and persecuted for Your name’s sake. Please grant them the grace to endure in Jesus name, amen.