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.
Matthew 5: 11f.
Jesus was misunderstood and slandered and persecuted. They even killed him, and thought that they did God a favor. Why should it be for us better?
It’s an honor when we endure suffering for Jesus. How can we show our love for our Lord better? He sees it and is proud of us.
It holds all the reins. He could prevent any trouble immediately. But it’s like with Jesus in Gethsemane:Father, if it is possible, should this cup pass from me! But Thy will be done. Into your hands I commend myself.
In recent days, the message went through the press, how many Christians are persecuted just because they are Christians. It is about 200,000. And I suspect it will be even worse. Why?
The Christians have the spirit of God in they. And the spirit of the world fights against it. He feels exposed and attacked. So he lies to people a lot before, constitutes defamation in the world, and incites the people against the Christians. Who is a pious, ecclesiastical man, will not notice anything. But who can govern the spirit of Jesus, it gets done with this rejection and persecution. Be proud, because Jesus is proud of you!
We are the salt of the earth and the light of day. What hates darkness more? It is not the people who rage against us, but the evil itself.
Jesus pays close attention to see if we are faithful to Him or deny Him and make compromises. The winners, who beat themselves and stay with Him, he will reward. Firstly, by his presence, as in Stephen. He will comfort and encourage. And secondly: He often intervenes in the events and stuffs the opponents mouth. He will now give back to the persecuted all they have lost.
We want today and almost always think of our brothers and sisters who sit for your Lord in prison and who often face the death penalty. We want to join in prayer for them! And we want to make ourself willing to endure persecution and slander. For His sake to our beloved Lord Jesus’ sake!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you can never leave us alone! And if we are persecuted and slandered, then you are especially close. You take us in your arm, and comfort, You give strength and courage, you can even talk with us, and you will help us through !!
Bible Reading Today: Psalm 47, 1 – 10