Persecution

–

Every morning I happen to read numerous headlines of media bias and pathetic rhetoric that assists me in starting my day with the understanding that the world has fallen off the deep end into a very shallow grave.  

This morning was no different.

Except that I happened upon the above image and became intrigued at the headline. . . or . . .  byline. . . or . . . line of text under the picture. . . or . . .whatever it’s called.   

Anywhoo! . . . my intrigue wasn’t that the line of text mentions the persecution of Christians or that said persecution of Christians is growing across the globe.  

You would think that would be something I would be interested in reading about since I am a follower of the LORD Jesus, but no. . . that wasn’t what intrigued me.  

Instead, it was the first two words that are written in all caps.  

What’s so “startling” about the report that persecution of Christians is growing across the globe?  

Christians will be persecuted for following the LORD Jesus because Jesus told His disciples that they would be persecuted because Jesus was persecuted first, and no one is above their master.  Therefore, since Jesus is the master and was persecuted by those in the world who didn’t believe in Him or trust Him while He was here, those who are true followers of Him will be persecuted as well.

Why? 

Because we are an example of the Light that shines in the darkness and exposes the deeds of humanity for what they are.  Evil.  And Humanity hates the light for that very reason.  

So, because the world hates the Light because it exposes their deeds as evil, the world wants to snuff out the light so they don’t have to be held accountable and feel remorse, sorrow, guilt or shame for their actions and words.

AND…as more and more people turn their lives over to the LORD Jesus and turn away from the life of lawlessness and sin that enslaved them, we should not be startled that a growing number of people are being persecuted for being Christians.

Of course, this also proves that the bible is accurate, yet again, because it foretold of how Christians would be persecuted for the sake of Jesus.

–

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12

“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;  we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.” – 2 Cor 4:6-12

–

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave 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 15:20

 

–

Therefore, I’m not startled about the growing persecution of Christians around the world.  I’m actually praising God for it.

–

–