A tough man has to win and lose. He had to come up after being knocked down, he has to have taken a few beatings, and know what it means to win the hard way.”
–Louis L’Amour (Showdown at Yellow Butte)
“They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.”
–John 15:21 (NIV)
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“God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.”
–Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT)
I ended last week’s study with this quotation by Thomas Watson, “Put a cross in your creed.” It’s easy to talk, but when the rubber hits the road what will you have? The cross is not an easy thing to pick up and there must be serious consideration when doing so. But, why me Lord?
There are various reasons for suffering and persecution. One of them is that it proves loyalty. What does the Christian life cost you? A young Christian girl in Nigeria refused to marry a Muslim man–she had her hands cut off. We are so fortunate in America, despite the issues that media brings to us, that we often forget the persecution in other countries. However, we are beginning to see it happen, even in so-called sophisticated nations. How loyal are you? Maybe not in death, but in life. Do you wander and stray? Do you compromise? Has the subtle persecution gotten to you? Thomas Watson declares that “Persecution is the touchstone of sincerity.” If persecution does come to you do not run and hide but stand firm in your faith, and say, “Now God be thanked who has matched us with this hour.” (Rupert Brooke)
You want to be close to God, have a relationship with Him? Then don’t be surprised if persecution comes your way for the prophets before you were also persecuted. You can now travel the road of prophets and saints that have gone before you. What a road, what a testimony they left. What will yours be? A third reason for suffering is to share in a great occasion. William Barclay states, “To suffer for the right is to gain a share in a great succession.” Paul walked this road, as did Peter and the other disciples. Augustine, Polycarp, Luther, Tyndale, Bunyan, and so, so many others. The road is well trod, and there are plenty of signs of those great saints, both known and unknown, that have been left along the way so that we can bolster our courage and take heart. If there is a crucial moment in your life, know this, there will be a great occasion following. Also be aware that you are making things easier for those who are to follow. “To suffer for the right is to gain a share in a great succession.” (Barclay)
Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to prepare. Tomorrow might bring great suffering, prepare now. No, don’t live in fear of tomorrow. Don’t be a prepper in the sense that you can do anything about it, but do prepare. Study the Beatitudes, they will help you greatly in this. Get your spirit in tune with that of the Holy Spirit. As Thomas Watson tells us, “A wise pilot in a clam, will prepare for a storm.”
(To let you know our study in the Beatitudes will have to take a detour as I’m going on vacation. I will try to get some note out while away and we’ll get back to our study when I return home. I don’t want to take my books and research with me on my trip.)