The Least of Theseনমুনা

How should we live if we are persecuted for being a Christ-follower?

When Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-25,

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

He wasn’t just talking metaphorically. There is a price to pay for following Jesus with our whole hearts.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples and who died by being crucified upside-down, said in 1 Peter 4:12-16,

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

Paul the apostle said in Philippians 1:29 that it is even a privilege to suffer for Christ,

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.

In 1 Peter 3:14-15, Peter said,

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Can we grasp the truth that we are really blessed if we suffer for Christ? James added to that in James 1:2-4,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Finally, in 2 Timothy 1:11-12, Paul captured the value behind the suffering,

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Reflection: So, we shout with joy despite our circumstances, Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay them? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.