Persecution​ 

      This is a subject that is negative, and it is very old in this world. It could be said that Cain persecuted Able – extremely. David the king wrote MUCH about Persecution in the Psalms. Jeremiah was considered the “Weeping Prophet” for (national decline) & the attacks on his character he suffered. Jesus the Christ was seriously (and fatally) persecuted. Paul the “grafted in” Apostle was possibly the MOST persecuted of all Apostles. (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27) Most Christians of the first couple centuries suffered severe persecutions by the Jews & especially Romans. (The Coliseum of Rome has a dark & murderous history.)  
      The definition of Persecution is actually simple – even in Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary: “to cause to suffer, esp. for religious or political reasons; to vex or harass.” And that suffering varies greatly, depending on when & where the “sufferee” is in history. The usual kind of persecution for the Christian in today’s free world is mild (in most cases), but it can be very hard to deal with. Yes, we can find that spiritual “connection” with Jesus Christ & it may be real & life changing. The problem arises when those around us – family, friends, work associates, etc. find fault with our faith, and actively oppose us & our Christian Value system. As Christ Himself was opposed, so His followers must expect rejection, and being hated for His sake. While it’s rare today to be killed, it’s common to be laughed at & insulted, and ostracized in social groups we value. And termination from work is common also. I would venture to say most new Christians who have made a real stand for Christ, & then quit the Christian Life do so because of Persecution.
      Why is there persecution?  One reason is Group Psychology – going contrary to the “herd” instinct. Can you imagine a lemming going the wrong way – his furry little friends would find fault with him. Us humans also have a herd instinct & those who challenge the “norms” will be punished.  Another reason is Logic. If creationists are right, then Darwinism is wrong which rubs the big bang & evolutionist folks “the wrong way”. And today’s political correctness bashes anything conservative, and considers it retarded.  Another reason is Spiritual. The god of this world has sway on the thinking of unsaved people. (This is hard to swallow, but it is the entire message of the New Testament – Acts 26:18.) Born Again folks “smell” different in the “nostrils” of those who think Born Again is a fantasy or a farce. (See 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 below.)  Another reason is Prophetic. Jesus said we would be persecuted, and He wasn’t a man to lie . . .
      Who claiming Jesus Christ doesn’t get persecuted? Well Robinson Caruso didn’t worry about it much. There are a few who join monasteries to get away from Persecution. And I believe a host of good-hearted religious folks wax liberal in doctrine, so they won’t have to face Persecution. But what does the Book say about it?
-- Psalms 119:51 “Godless men utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from thy law.”
-- V. 69 “The godless besmear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep thy precepts;”  
-- Psalms 120:7 “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war!” King David
-- Matthew 10:16-17 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as        doves.  Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils; and flog you in their synagogues.”
-- John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I            chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” - the words of Jesus Christ.
-- 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those         who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.”
-- 2 Timothy 3:12-13 “Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and       impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived.”
      Well, I personally know it can be tough to make a stand with the Lord in this world today. But maybe the elements of Christianity are screeners that God uses to test our character. Elements like repentance, attending a legitimate church, prayer, giving, forgiving others, and of course PERSECUTION.  It’s ALL a part of it. And as we approach the end, & the Lord’s soon return, persecution will positively get worse. (It may incur martyrdom to identify with Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation – see Revelation 12:11.) The bottom line is something like this: “Suffer with Christ and for Christ, if you desire to reign with Christ.” Thomas A Kempis. Choose Jesus, He is Alive. See also “Human Nature” link 182.

Many other Titles: www.gospelnotes.org                                                                                            * * F. J. Stone * * 
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