STEADY SHIFT IN CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

The instances of Christian persecution is not only increasing in numbers and frequency, but is also now, more acceptable by many people, and is being seriously considered as a necessity, and not an aberration, let alone, immoral and illegal. Persecution of Christians is talked about, in the same vein as a thing of pride, and an achievement. 

It is very sad to see, how persecution of Christians is slowly but steadily, changing from shoutings and verbal abuses, to beatings, and now to open killings, without any guilt or remorse. Facing such injustices is painful, to say the least. Especially, when it is blatantly unjust, and absolutely illegal to do so. Let us see what the Bible talks about it.

THE LORD JESUS ON PERSECUTION
Jesus said it clearly that we will be persecuted in this world.
– “22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake…” – Matthew 10:22
– “9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” – Matthew 24:9
– “17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.” – Luke 21:17
– “18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” – John 15:18-20

Some common threads, running through the above words of Jesus are, as follows…
– Christians will be hated.
– The world hates Christ our Saviour, and therefore, we will also be hated.
– Hate for Christians, and our persecution is universal.
– The struggle is between the light and the darkness.
– Dislike and hate for Christians is graded, and comes in different shades, shapes, sizes and forms.
– Remember, we are not fighting faces, but rather, we are up against the spirit, and the force, behind the visible flesh and blood.

– “10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:10-13

Therefore, let us not be surprised, nor be shocked that, such things are happening more frequently, and more intensely than ever. Let us be warned, that this is just the beginning. However, let us not be concerned and worried, even though it is a matter of concern. Let us leave, our safety and our future, in the hands of God, our Creator and Redeemer. Let us steadfastly and resolutely, walk by faith, and not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7. The LORD will take care of everything. Even so, the LORD help us.