Thinking about persecuted Christians
"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me." (John 15:19-21)
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body." (2 Corinthians 4:8-11)
"That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)
"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." (Matthew 5:10-12)
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44)
In a country such as ours where there is relative Christian freedom, it is easy to forget that for some Christians, persecution is the norm rather than the exception in their day-to-day lives. For some of us the word persecution sounds like an old medieval term that is irrelevant in today's world. Well friends, persecution of Christians is real and today I would like to urge us to begin to think about it seriously, and purpose to pray for our brothers and sisters, scattered in different nations. Some have lost their lives and/or their loved ones while others are languishing in prisons or are under house arrest. Some have had to flee their home countries while others meet in underground churches in secret, not sure who will betray them and hence their "end".
As I thought about the persecuted Christians this morning, I could not help contrast their lives with ours. Our Christian faith is characterized by conferences, retreats, Bible studies, overnight prayers, miracle services, and at every corner, there seems to be a church. In fact we are so well fed that we have given up the Truth and we are instead seeking other things that can satisfy our fleshly desires more than the Word, faster than the Truth of the Word of God, as per our human standard. Is it a wonder that we are busy chasing the prosperity gospel, almost breaking our limbs in conforming to the patterns of this world, and the line between the Christian and the world has become hazy with time. While our brothers and sisters are willing to lay down their lives for the sake of God's Kingdom, we on the other hand, are willing to pay any price to gain recognition from men, and to fit into society. When someone tells us we are too radical or extreme in our faith, we begin to water down the message of the gospel and we no longer share the reality of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." While God is love He is also the same God Who will mete out judgement on sin and that is why we are invited to the gift of salvation and eternal life. While our brothers and sisters are hiding in their homes to share the Word, some even reading from one Bible because woe unto you if you are caught with a Bible, we, in this privileged society, are busy despising the Word of God and the gathering together of brethren in order to encourage one another especially as the Day approaches. While our persecuted brothers and sisters long to shout in joy, praising and worshiping God in loud voices, but cannot because it means discovery, we are busy standing aloof as we are led in worship and can hardly clap or sing in an atmosphere of freedom! So much comparisons can be made but then it all boils down to "Whom have you believed?"
Today I would like to challenge us. Take a moment and think about our brothers and sisters for whom persecution means the continued seeking of God's face. Take time to pray for them, that God's grace will abound towards them, that doors would open up in the nations where the freedom of Christian worship is prohibited, that Jesus Who is the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into these harvest fields, that the church will continue to grow in strength and in number, until Jesus comes.
It would also be worthwhile to begin to think about partnering with organizations working with and for persecuted Christians instead of partnering with organizations that tell you to give double and you will reap double cash. Would it not be more fulfilling if you partnered with an organization committed to praying for persecuted Christians, or an organization that is sending missionaries into these nations, or buying Bibles for our dear brothers and sisters? Or if the Lord calls you, and asks, "Whom shall I send?" Would it not be great if you said, "Here am I, send me?" While we value our lives, remember that he who seeks to save his life will lose it while he who loses his life for the sake of Jesus Christ will gain it. I am also reminded of the scripture, "What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" So many Bible verses encourage us about the reward that God in heaven has for us and it would be prudent for us to heed to His Word.
May be it is time to stop and ask myself, "Am I willing to pay the price?" If I am not then the Master says I am not worthy of His service. I cannot look back when faced with persecution. I must go the whole course. His words ring in my heart and mind: Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”(Luke 9:62).
I asked myself what would God have me do concerning my brothers and sisters who face persecution in their day-to-day lives. I could start by consciously praying for them and for these nations. Prayer simply means talking to God about them, about their circumstances, and asking God to open up these nations.
And now the surprising fact: Kenya is among the Top 50 nations where persecution takes place. You can access this list from the World Watch List (http://www.worldwatchlist.us/world-watch-list-countries/) which is part of the Open Doors Ministry.
I am praying that you and I will partner with God and allow His Holy Spirit to guide us on how we can stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters. Remember when one part of the body is hurting then we cannot function effectively.
And the labor continues ....
The
World Watch List (WWL) is a ranking of 50 countries where persecution
of Christians for religious reasons is worst. First of all, the list
covers persecution of Christians of all denominations in the entire
country. The focus is on persecution for their faith, not persecution
for political, economic, social, ethnic or accidental reasons. - See
more at: http://www.worldwatchlist.us/about/#sthash.Cta8HlIp.dpuf
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