Today’s reading:
2 Timothy 3:10-14
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (v. 12)
It is, no doubt, scary when one is invited to a new way of life and he is being told that persecution is part of the package! In fact, Christian persecution is evidence that one loves God, living a godly life, literally laying down one’s life for Christ as He did for mankind. “Persecution” is the act of punishing, harassing, oppressing, hostility usually of severe nature, even killing, based on differences in ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, political belief or opinion. While it was not too obvious that people in the Old Testament days went through much persecution, it happened to be a common feature in the New Testament days. Right from the on-set of Jesus’ ministries on earth, he made his disciples and followers know that persecution was almost inevitable, if they were to follow him. He himself suffered a lot of persecution, especially from the hands of his own people – the Jews. Immediately after his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven, the newly empowered apostles started to face persecution. The first martyr of the early church, Stephen, was stoned to death for his faith and confession of Jesus Christ as Saviour (Acts 8:1-4).
Persecution of Christians has reached a very high level and degree in the world today. The commonest sources of persecution both during the early church days, and today include: family, enemies of the faith/gospel from within and outside of the church, friends, Gentiles (Non-Jews), unbelievers in general (including atheists). The commonest acts of persecution include: arrest, imprisonment, beatings, torture, confiscation or destruction of property, incitement of hatred, murder, execution. While it may be hard to accept that one should endure persecution, it is advisable that one be determined to endure it, especially for the course of Christ and the Gospel. It is the price one can pay for one’s faith. It is what costs you to follow Jesus Christ. It is part of expectations of a believer. No wonder Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, as part of his teaching on the kingdom of God, in Matt. 5:10-12, declared that blessed are you when you are persecuted, reviled, and all kinds of evil are said against you, falsely for his sake. He confirmed that the prophets who were before were persecuted likewise.
Christians in many parts of the world today, especially in China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and North Korea experience almost unbearable persecution. There is general suppression of Christian corporate worship and forced conversion and ill-treatment of Christian missionaries and activities in these countries. Underground churches and fellowships are very common within the countries. Gladly enough, our loving Father and his Son have made provisions for those who endure persecution to be blessed and rewarded. But firstly, how does one cope with persecution? These include: focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb.12:2); do not fear those things you are about to suffer or be persecuted for (Rev 2:10); do not fear those who are able to kill the flesh but not the soul; rejoice always in the Lord (Phil 4:4); rejoice that you partake of Christ’s sufferings and when He is revealed, you will appear with him in his glory; do not be ashamed (1Pet. 4:16); Paul counsels that you must continue in the things which you have and are learning, designed to build you up and glorify you at the end. (2 Tim 3:14); be assured of God’s deliverance from them all, as experienced and confirmed by Paul in our Today’s reading in verse 11; also, by the Psalmist in Ps.34:19.
Above all, be assured to receive blessings from God including: the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:10); and rewards in heaven (Matt 5:12), such as: crowns of righteousness and glory; eternal life with Christ and so on. If one is persecuted as an unbeliever, it amounts to a loss totally. It is, therefore, important that one becomes a child of God by believing in the sacrifice of Jesus to redeem mankind. One becomes a believer and can now benefit and be blessed when persecuted.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.” If you said the prayer, Congratulations!
Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Precious Saviour, we appreciate you for your redemption work for mankind.
Lord, we rely on you for victories when going through persecutions, as you help us to endure throughout.
Father, we thank you for the blessings and provisions of rewards you will give to us as we endure persecution.
Father, help the church to learn how to endure the persecution directed at it all over the world.
Father, stop the mindless persecution by terrorists directed at our nation and all other affected nations of the world.
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