March 2

Persecution

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 

–– Revelation 12:11

There’s a three-phase journey that every God’s man travels in life. It doesn’t matter where you live, how much money you have, or what your life looks like. This three-step journey is simply part of this thing called life, and though we can deny one or more of the stops or pretend they are not there, they are. The three phases of every Jesus follower’s life include: persecution, crucifixion, resurrection. This was Jesus’ path, and it is ours too.

Today we are talking about the first phase, persecution, which Miriam-Webster defines as “the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook; the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed.”[1]

Persecution, of course, comes in many forms. In its most extreme, it means giving up your life for a cause you believe in. As I write this there are thousands of believers facing intense persecution—especially in nations hostile to the Gospel, or where governments outlaw its practice all together. They deserve our prayers and support. And consider Jesus: He could have run—He knew what was awaiting Him when He decided to leave the relative safety of Galilee and head to Jerusalem. He knew the price would be His life, but decided to stay the course. For you. For me.

On the other end of the spectrum is the type of persecution we put up with in daily life—as Webster’s says, when we feel harassed or annoyed. When was the last time you felt one of those two emotions? (If you are like me, you don’t have to think very long. Annoyances abound in this life.)

Then there is the type of persecution that comes with choosing to be a follower of Jesus. When we choose the narrow gate—as Jesus calls it in Matthew 7:13-14—He further tells us it will not be easy. Choosing to be God’s man means sacrificing our own plans and purposes for His. It means inconvenience and consciously doing the hard things required of a life of integrity. Rather than settling or skirting around the truth and the law, we stay the course—even if those around us are taking the broad road. We pay our taxes. We obey the law. We serve the poor. We help the helpless.

Persecution comes in many forms. But for the man of God, it means one thing: obeying His Word in all circumstances, even if it means persecution. If we are to truly follow Jesus, we will experience persecution—large or small. The battles may be against our own flesh and blood, or they may be against the principalities and powers of this fallen world. Be ready to contend against both.

Lord, persecution is all around me. Help me give my time, talents, and treasure to those experiencing life-threatening circumstances in Your name.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persecution