I Thessalonians 3:3
“so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this”
The last time we focused on how God uses trials to draw us close to Him and that they are used to mature us. Today we’ll address the fact that christians will suffer for Christ’s sake. Jesus said in John 15:20 “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.”
Why was Jesus persecuted? It was for the same reason the Old Testament prophets were; the persecutor’s didn’t like the message. Jeremiah in chapter 38 of his book told the king God’s instructions. It was for the people to surrender to the Chaldeans. If they did so, they would be taken captive, but mercifully so. If not, death and destructions would result. He was jailed for this. The officers of the king were mad for they said he was discouraging the warriors. They ignored him and were devastated, along with the town and the temple.
God has given us His Word to follow, live by and share. It’s wonderful and brings life to all who obey. However, little hope exists for those who don’t heed it. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This verse makes many upset.
The John passage is what propels us to share Christ with others. There are great things that await us in Christ, but judgment without. The phrase ” to be saved” is mocked. However, that’s what the gospel does. Our culture is hostile to this message and belittles anyone who shares it. This is the persecution foretold.
Lord, thanks for the Good News. Help us to share it. Give us courage to withstand any backlash because of it.