“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Rev.12:11).
Believers in Jesus Christ of Nazareth have been persecuted throughout the ages. Jesus was crucified and His followers were stoned, burned at the stake and until this day many suffer much affliction and hardship. The reason for the persecution is because those in Christ are not conforming to the world ruled by satan.
• “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19).
• “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tim.3:12).
• Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” (1John 3:13).
• Jesus said, Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” (John 15:20).
Although persecution is a difficult thing to contemplate, as followers of Jesus Christ of Nazareth we should expect to be confronted with the decision to stand for Christ Jesus, our Saviour. If asked today whether we would ever deny being a follower of Jesus, I am sure we would say ‘definitely not’. However, when faced with persecution and possibly death, Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus (John 18:15-27).
The hard question to all of us today is: “Are we willing to die for Christ?”
In the Bible we find many promises from the Most High Father to strengthen and encourage us through all the trials and affliction we may face. • “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Rom.8:35). • Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps.23:4) • “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). • “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1Pet.4:16).
MY PRAYER
Father Ahayah, thank you for Your Word that warns us that we will be persecuted for believing in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help us to embrace these words of Apostle Paul: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2Cor.12:10).
Father, thank you for the beautiful promises we find in Your Word: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.5:10-12). Thank you that You are not a man that You should lie. We therefore embrace these promises knowing that You are with us through anything we may suffer for Your name’s sake. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Aman.