3-29-14 Persecution for Faith

18“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If 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.20Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^b If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ (John 15:18-25)

Thoughts: A couple of weeks ago an Air Force Academy Cadet was severely pressured to take down a scripture verse he had on a whiteboard outside of his room.  In the name of pluralism, freedom of religion and freedom of speech were squelched.  Read the comments online on most articles of religion on CNN.com or the NY Times website, and you will find deep hatred for those who believe. There are lawsuits to take down memorial crosses for fallen soldiers, though put up decades ago, in the name of not "offending" anyone. Doubtless Jesus was crucified in order to not offend the Pharisees with His narrow claims or the Romans with His Kingship.
     Though Christianity is the strongest religion in America and has fostered a world of good with care for the hungry, the poor, starting schools, colleges, hospitals, homes for the elderly and homes for orphaned or abused children, it is being attacked on many fronts.  Christians are being displaced in Iraq, the Sudan, Palestine, and now the very place where Christians were first called "Christian"- Syria.  Open Doors estimates 100 million persecuted Christians today.  It is curious why people get so upset at Christians- even if they differ from them- but they do.  But we should not be surprised, Jesus said.  If the world hates our Lord, it probably will hate others who stand for a combination of truth and love together.  

Prayer: Lord, we pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.  Thank you for your love and grace that faces hatred with sacrifice and love.