“But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.” (Mark 13:9 NKJV)

A war has been declared on Christianity, even though here in the United States, we don’t face the persecution experienced across the world. We’ve lived the life of ease here, and persecution frightens us.

Have you asked the question: why would God allow His church to be persecuted? The answer lies in our focal verse. People hated Jesus when He walked this earth, and they hate Him now, and they will hate us because we identify with Him. Our focal verse explains why God allows persecution. We must testify before governing bodies. We can refer to the book of Acts and learn some things about persecution.

Paul shared the gospel before many religious and government leaders such as the high priest Ananias (Acts 23:2), Felix the governor (Acts 24:1-26), and Festus (Acts 24:27). It’s not the path we desire, but we could be the ones testifying before judges and authorities.

The early church grew as a result of persecution.  As early as Acts chapter four, after their arrest, Peter and John boldly declared that Jesus Christ alone saves, before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:12). They let the apostles go with some threats because the Sanhedrin feared an uprising from the people. Afterward, instead of praying for protection, the church prayed for more boldness.

One chapter later, they arrested the apostles again, but this time an angel released them, telling them to go preach in the temple (Acts 5:20). Once again, they testified before the authorities.

A great persecution came against the church in Jerusalem, scattering the church.

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. (Acts 8:4 NKJV)

Persecution moved the gospel out of Jerusalem and into other areas. So, we have to ask ourselves: will today’s persecution be the catalyst to spread the gospel? History has a way of repeating itself.

We should be concerned about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ despite any persecution. As Christians, we know we don’t have much time, and we should redeem that time by witnessing and testifying.

Friend, as persecution increases, remember nothing catches God by surprise, and He has a purpose for all that happens. Let us use our time wisely, and be about our Father’s business.

Heavenly Father, persecution makes us cringe, but we ask for the same boldness the apostles had. Raise up another David, an Elijah, and another Deborah. Make us fearless and give us the words to tell the world about You. In Jesus’s  name. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV, known as the Great Commission:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? That is what salvation is all about. If not, why not turn to Him now and repent with a genuine heart and begin living for Him?

RELATED RESOURCE

Last February, I began A Mountain of Faith Women’s Ministry Facebook group. It nearly has 250 members now, but we are short a few members because you aren’t there. Would you like to receive Christian encouragement in the form of devotions, live messages, prayer, and fellowship? Click here to join.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140942697610835/

Originally posted on February 7, 2022 @ 3:00 am