We were
blessed with wonderful weather in downeast Maine for most of the month of
August. I have been thinking it was almost too good to be true. Too much good
weather is almost “dangerous” to me, because I could easily come to assume that
it will always be that way, or even that it should be that way. Not really “dangerous”
per se, but tempting to want and expect all the time. In reality it would be
foolish to make such an assumption and anyone who lives here knows better. We
don’t know what a day or a week or a season may bring weather-wise. We cannot
control it.
On
Sunday as I preached from Matthew 5:10-12, I made the statement that
persecution is part of the “normal” Christian life. Historically every
generation in the history of Christianity has had its share of opposition and
trouble because of faith in and love for Jesus. Many of us in the West,
however, have lived for years under “fair” conditions of “acceptance” and even
some degree of admiration. Things are changing, though, in the atmosphere of
politics, education, and everyday social life. This has lead us to feel
surprised, dismayed, or fearful when we encounter even mild forms of
opposition. We have come to assume that no persecution or hardship should be
the norm. But as we read the New Testament we should know better. Jesus’ word
about what His followers would face is the word we should heed, and by His grace
look for and receive His help in times of trouble when people react negatively
to Jesus and our love for Him.
Christians
through the centuries have loved Jesus more than they have loved their lives.
What a legacy for us and what an encouragement! While talk of opposition to
Jesus and any form of persecution seems a little dramatic in our lives, our
times are changing. While I am not eager for what the Bible declares to be
normal for those who love Jesus, I am eager for all the promises of Scripture
for grace to meet and exceed every need. I am eager for a closer walk with
Jesus. I am eager for a deeper love and a stronger faith. I am eager for a
passionate dependency on the Lord. And guess what? People who experience
opposition for their faith in Jesus tend to have all these. I know this: Jesus
will always be not only sufficient, but His presence, power, and grace will
exceed the need in every difficulty we may face. He is an awesome Savior, Lord,
and Friend.
Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad,
because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the
prophets who were before you.
2 Timothy 3:10-14 (NIV) You, however, know all about my teaching,
my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,
persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,
Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from
all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to
worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you
have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you
learned it,
PRAYER: Father, though in my flesh I have no desire to
be on the receiving end of persecution of any kind, I pray that my faith will
always be strong even when - especially when - I face opposition. Without you I
can do nothing, and it will be only your grace that sustains me. Please sustain
your people around the world who are suffering right now because of their love
for you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
Jesus
Christ is Lord!
Scott
No comments:
Post a Comment