JOY IN PERSECUTION
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matthew 5:10
In the year 2020 during a prayer walk in our community, we were attacked by some politicians using the might of paramilitarians while on our knees praying for the good of the land.
I was manhandled, shirt torn, neck choked while been hit with a 2 by 3 hard wood. I ended up needing medical attention and it was all for God’s glory.
Several human right organisations and religious leaders suggested that I push for legal action against the perpetuators but as I considered it this was the scripture that gave me the strength and courage to let go and forgive.
While Jesus promised the blessed who are meek the inheritance of the earth in Matthew 5:5, he promises that the blessed who are persecuted will inherit the heavens.
Wouldn’t you want to be a shareholder of heaven? To have ownership of a city whose maker is God.
I recall (my Pastor) Pastor Peter Alao’s teaching in 1985 which showed me that Jesus disciples were excited in the face of persecution. They didn’t complain or murmur. They on the contrary joyfully rejoiced. You can retain your joy in the face of persecution. This helped me as a young believer and I was able to stay in faith even when my parents weren’t born again then.
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Acts 5:40-41 (KJV)
1 Peter 4:14 in the Amplified version encourages us with the blessings awaiting the persecuted.
If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you–happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 1 Peter 4:14 (Amp).
Do NOT fret and do not cringe in the face of persecution. It is not pleasant, but if well approached, the rewards will be enormous. Stay strong. Keep the faith no matter what the enemy makes people throw at you.
Reflection:
– Have I ever faced opposition for doing what’s right?
– How do I respond when my faith is tried, challenged or mocked?
– What does it mean to rejoice in suffering for Christ?
Prayer:
Father. I trust in You. I know you have great plans and rewards for me. Help me to keep faith while going through persecution that my reward be not lost.
“Persecution is one of the surest signs that we are living for Christ. If we never experience it, we might ask ourselves whether we are truly standing for Him.”— Billy Graham
Great grace!