PERSECUTION 101

Saturday, October 8th, 2011

Today's Passage> Matthew 10: 16-32
Memory Verse> Matt. 10:28

Every day somewhere in the world, Christians are being enslaved and martyred by people of other religious beliefs. In other places, those who have embraced the Christian faith live in constant danger of their lives. In the meantime, lawlessness abounds as the voice of Christianity is silenced. Is it even worth it to BE a believer? Is Christianity worth standing up for? If you're not sure how to answer this question, you're about to take a crash course in Persecution 101.

Since the beginning of time, there has been a remnant propelled by the grace of God to uphold His kingdom at whatever cost. Imagine what life would be like if there had never been an Abraham, a Noah, a Moses, a Joshua and Caleb, and on down to the New Testament saints. There would never have been a lineage to birth the King of Kings, the One Who came to rescue the world from the tyranny of satan. And if those in the Old Testament had to endure many perils, how much more did the disciples, Mary and those who would come after them have to endure? Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to stare death in the face and still declare the kingdom of God. They chose to play the roles they were asked to play by the Father Himself, and they did not hesitate to do so to the death.

Enter those of us who live in the millennial age. God has chosen us to carry the good news of the kingdom to those who have not yet heard it. This is the only way Scripture will be fulfilled that this gospel is preached to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come. But how will that happen if we're too afraid to do our part? So here's where you and I come in. It's time to get past the comfort zone and answer the tough questions. Are we, who are alive and standing on the shoulders of those who sacrificed their lives so we can live for Christ, willing to just stand by and fail to do our part due to the fear of losing our comforts?

So let's face the things that the enemy uses to keep us cowering. As a human being, what is the greatest thing that you think makes you afraid? You'll find that our Shepherd has provided an answer and cure for it. Is it being deprived of food and drink? God's Word says that we should live by every word that proceeds from His mouth. He reminds us that He will provide what we need if we only seek His kingdom first. Is it the acceptance of others? We are not to fear any man -- only God. Is it even death? That, my friend, is at the heart of every person who steps out to live for Christ. Not only did Christ give up His own life for us, but He also demonstrated to us that death, the very thing we think is so intimidating, has been put under His feet. The sting of death is sin, and if we've surrendered our lives to Him, sin has no more hold on us, and we have nothing else to fear. We're going to have to get to the place in the very near future where we are prepared to die in order to truly live, just like Christ and all those who live for Him do. If this is not your mentality right now, you're unfortunately still in the mode of self-preservation, and God's kingdom cannot use you. However, if you realize that nothing else is more important than doing the will of God -- even at the expense of our lives-- you're exactly what the kingdom is looking for. Remember? This world is not our home, but we have been sent here for the purpose of declaring that Jesus is Lord. If you're still walking in fear that you may lose the things you hold most dear, you're of no use in the battle that we're waging against the enemy. Choose life now, but be willing to lose that life so that you may gain eternal life. Everything Christ lived and died for hangs in the balance. And every eternal reward that we never think about is awaiting. This is Persecution 101.

Prayer: Father, even though I had given my life to You, there was always this fear that I didn't need to go all in because I might lose earthly comforts. But now that I've been shown how much You love me, and everything You lost so that I could gain Your kingdom, I've decided to surrender everything -- my will, my home, and even my life. I can truly say that You can use it as You will. I'm living this life in such a way that if my life is required of me, I'd willingly give it up if You will be glorified. Thank You for giving me something worth living and dying for. In Jesus' Name, Amen.