10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice 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)
Thoughts: The Vatican has estimated an average of 100,000 Christian martyrs per year for the last ten years. The definition of martyrdom was not that they were actively witnessing when they were killed as much as they were killed simply because of their faith. Perhaps the final and ultimate persecution is martyrdom. But there are others who insult, degrade those who become verbal about their faith in Christ, and others who just put Christians down in order to feel better about themselves.
Dylan Klebold who was shooting up students at Columbine High School reportedly asked Valeen Schnurr if she believed in God. She said "Yes" and then he shot her (wounding her). To say "Yes" identifying with Christ is the ultimate taking up our cross and dying to self.
Being a witness may be standing up for what is good. Things like refusing to watch a nasty movie, though your friends may wan to see it. Or refusing to cheat a customer or treat them unfairly. Our ultimate boss- or Lord- is Christ. To be willing to face rejection or persecution is a test of faith.
When China was in the process of changing over to a communist country, kicking missionaries out, one missionary in danger was asked, "Aren't you afraid?" Her answer was, I am only afraid that I will become a grain that is not willing to die." We are all seeds of Jesus. Let us be willing to give of ourselves to others so that we will bear fruit for eternity.
It is easy to say "I will take up the cross." But when persecution comes, we really will be taking up the cross. Jesus, who knows a lot about suffering and humiliation, says that we will be blessed if we do it.
Dylan Klebold who was shooting up students at Columbine High School reportedly asked Valeen Schnurr if she believed in God. She said "Yes" and then he shot her (wounding her). To say "Yes" identifying with Christ is the ultimate taking up our cross and dying to self.
Being a witness may be standing up for what is good. Things like refusing to watch a nasty movie, though your friends may wan to see it. Or refusing to cheat a customer or treat them unfairly. Our ultimate boss- or Lord- is Christ. To be willing to face rejection or persecution is a test of faith.
When China was in the process of changing over to a communist country, kicking missionaries out, one missionary in danger was asked, "Aren't you afraid?" Her answer was, I am only afraid that I will become a grain that is not willing to die." We are all seeds of Jesus. Let us be willing to give of ourselves to others so that we will bear fruit for eternity.
It is easy to say "I will take up the cross." But when persecution comes, we really will be taking up the cross. Jesus, who knows a lot about suffering and humiliation, says that we will be blessed if we do it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have faith that is real and that can endure tough times and tests.
No comments:
Post a Comment