John 15:20, “Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
Today around the world more disciples are suffering persecution than ever before for the sake of Christ and His teachings. It is estimated that over 100,000 children of God are martyred each year. Their only “crime” was that they believed in Jesus Christ as their great God and Savior.
Plus, literally countless millions of Christians are being displaced from their homes, arrested, and threatened for their faith in Jesus. The two biggest influences of persecution towards Christians are Islam and Communism.
Such places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan, and Egypt have some of the highest rates of violence in the Islamic world. And even such nations like Nigeria where Christianity is the major religion; many of the Muslims terrorize the innocent Christians by burning their churches and destroying their property in hopes of stopping the rapid growth.
At the same time, Communist countries like China, North Korea, and Vietnam restrict the Gospel and persecute disciples that break their state policy of “anti-evangelism” and “non-registered church gatherings.” North Korea is by far the worst example of a “state run religion” in a Communist state. All those who reject “emperor worship” and promote Christianity are arrested, sent to concentration camps, tortured physically, and are subjected to mental torture through “re-education.”
Though some of us may not live in a nation where persecution is the norm and can result in physical harm and even death. Many of us in the West suffer persecution in the form of family rejection, public mocking and ridicule, and oppression on our jobs and in the public square.
Therefore, no matter where you live or how bad you’re being hated for the name of Christ Jesus don’t think it strange. Because if they rejected and crucified Jesus, our Master and Teacher, how much more will they hate us as His students. As a result, let us rejoice when we are hated for the name of Christ for we are being treated like all the prophets and disciples that followed God!
Reflection
Have you ever suffered persecution?
Action
- Pray for the persecuted Christians around the world.
- Consider how you can support the persecuted disciples around the world. Plan on sending mission’s money to them so they can have Bibles, food, and medical relief.
- Rejoice in your times of persecution because you are being honored to suffer for the name of Christ, Matthew 5:12.
