the certainty of persecution
"Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him." —Wisdom 2:20
If we want to live a godly life, we will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We don't know the severity of this persecution, but we do know the certainty of it.
Although many non-Christians pride themselves on being tolerant, they will probably not tolerate Christians, for we are obnoxious to them (Wis 2:12). They think we are setting ourselves against their doings, reproaching them "for transgressions of the law," charging them with violations of their training, and censuring their thoughts (Wis 2:12, 14). Merely to see us is a hardship for many non-Christians (Wis 2:14) because our lives are different (Wis 2:15). An automatic tension exists between Christians and non-Christians.
Eventually something has to give; something has to snap. Non-Christians either give their lives to Jesus and become Christians, or they revile, torture, and condemn Christians (Wis 2:19-20). Non-Christians either become other Christs or anti-christs. They take up Jesus' cross (Lk 9:23), or they crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt by attacking His disciples (see Heb 6:6).
May your life in Christ be so authentic that you are worthy of being persecuted (see Acts 5:41).
Prayer: Father, in life may I lead many people to You. In death, may I lead many more people to You.
Promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves." —Ps 34:19
Praise: John gave his life to the Lord at the funeral of his Christian friend.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Developing a Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus, order, listen to, or download our CD 52-1 or DVD 52-CH. 1 at presentationministries.com or order our tape on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2017
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