Matthew 5:10-12

• “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
• “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
• “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The past several days have found me responding in the same way.  It seems that our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in the Middle East and Africa, No. Korea, China and Viet Nam are experiencing such an increase in persecution.  I watch the response to this wax cold with Christians here.  We have Brothers & Sisters in prisons in other countries.  Have you heard prayer requests for them in your church?  I’ve talked with several people and it’s very rare if ever that the minister mentions prayer for the persecuted.  We must pray for the persecuted church.  We must speak out when we have the chance.  Will we cower in the face of adversity out of fear of being laughed at or called a nut job?  Think of the torture that our Brothers and Sisters are enduring.  Jesus warned us this would happen.  He said “You will be hated by all nations for my name sake.”  So it doesn’t matter what, you’ll still be ridiculed.  And if you are being ridiculed take heart, for they hated Jesus first.  Jesus said no servant is greater than his master, so if they hated Jesus to His Death, how much more will they hate us?  Comfort one another, love one another, for it’s only going to get worse.  We as Christians are being singled out, I see it more and more every day.  Jesus said:  ‘Fear not, for I am with you even until the end of time.’

If your being ridiculed, than be joyful, for that means your doing something right!  I would rather be ridiculed by man than judged by God for remaining silent and not speaking the truth.  So Keep the Faith!  Keep Joy in your heart, comfort one another and encourage one another with the gospel, and look up, for our redemption draws near.  And pray for the persecuted, and the lost souls for all to come to God.

Prayer For The Persecuted

Father, we know that you are all powerful, we give you the Glory in all things.  We ask that you send your Holy Spirit to those in persecution.  We ask that you send them caring, and guiding hands to help them in their hour of need.  Father please give them strength, courage, comfort.  Let them feel your mighty hand and presence.  Send your Angels to protect them, show yourself to their persecutors so that they may see that they are children of the One True God.  Lead all soul’s to Jesus Father, especially those who need your mercy the most.  Father we thank you, In Jesus Name We Pray Amen!

Categories: Christian persecution

Tags: christian persecution