Let me ask you a question... why are we surprised when we see rejection and persecution for the sake of Christ? Why do we wonder how such a thing could happen in this day in which we live? We see on the news and all over social media the atrocities that people endure for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. Many American Christians want to close their eyes and pretend it is not reality because it is not happening to them...not yet. But we should not be surprised! But also we should not ignore the pain and suffering that our fellow Christians endure, because Jesus warned us that it would happen. He said “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18) "And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22)
As Christians, we need to be aware that the world does not love the Name of Jesus as we do. False religions do not believe He is the Son of God, and in fact they definitely do not believe He is God as we do. Many people and many religions believe that He was a great prophet and a great teacher, but they do not worship Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They believe that He was one of many prophets or one of many gods...not THE God, Who came in the flesh to offer sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. And because they don't believe what we believe, they will reject us and they will persecute us and they will kill us. Being persecuted or rejected for the sake of Christ should be the norm for a person who is truly walking with the Lord and serving Him with all their hearts. If you have never had someone to reject you or treat you badly because you were a Christian, then you are probably not living the life that Christ intended for you to live. For He said, if they persecuted Him, they will persecute us also. And trust me, even in the U.S., if you are truly living for Christ, someone is going to give you a hard time about it or reject you if you live as a Christian. So don't be discouraged. The Apostle Peter said, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (I Peter 4:12-13) Take heart, you are in great company if you are suffering for the sake of Christ and He will reward you when His glory is revealed.
But please accept this as
an exhortation to those who will hear... as the end of the age draws closer and
closer, we need to understand that persecution is going to become stronger and
stronger…and we will need to stand together more and more. We should care for
one another and be considerate of the plight of others within the Body of
Christ. We should encourage one another and pray for one another diligently. We
truly need each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, so let us build up the
Body and take care of each other...not tear down one another and also not
ignore the hardships that others endure as though we don't care. Christians
worldwide are fighting an extreme battle, and it's up to us to reach out and to
love one another fervently. It's our responsibility and our joy as members of
the same Body. Pray for those who are being rejected and persecuted today.
Reach out to them with a heart determined to lift them up and help them. As
Christ Followers, as Believers...we really do need one another.
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