BURNT ALIVE – 22 January 1999
January 22, 2024VERY “STRANGE” RESPONSE
January 24, 2024The heinous and inhuman crime of murdering Graham Staines, and his two young children, Philip and Timothy, is one of the most cruellest and brutal religious persecution in India. The heartless and cold-blooded nature of it, is a spine chilling reminder of what a human heart is capable of – “9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9
“Rise in Attacks on Christians in India, Up Four Times in 11 Years (2012-2022)” is the heading in The Wire news. It further states, “There have been 525 attacks against Christians in India just in the first eight months of 2023. This year [2023] will likely cross the violent record set in 2022, and in 2021 before that.” The trends only validate the Bible, and its analysis, of a human heart…the fallen human race.
The LORD Jesus explained to His disciples, about the world’s hatred for God and His children, and is doing the same to us, even today – “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
Our response, to what is happening to Christians world over, should be the same, as the disciples of first century – “41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” – Acts 5:41. What a response, and what a perspective.
Persecution is not pleasant, nor is it, some good thing. It is disturbing and painful. However, the early Church counted it as a badge of honour to be persecuted. May the same spirit, help us to go through our fiery ordeals. May the LORD, who helped the early Christians, be our source of strength and comfort, while facing our trials and testings. The LORD is our sure help! He can be counted upon for our help!!!
