Physical consequences

You may think as you read this piece, pff, what a bleak or nasty story. Hate, persecution, what words. Couldn't it all be a little more loving? A little more fun?

Maybe so, but sometimes just not....

In this episode from The Chosen, you see John the Baptist. He goes to the king and wants to hold him accountable. After all, the king was doing what God did not want, and who spoke to him about it? John would. This story doesn't end so well for John; he has to give his life for it....

Regardless of the exact reason why John went to King Herod, today I want to reflect together on opposition.

In The Chosen, you see that Jesus faces a lot of opposition. People - especially those with power and influence - don't like Him. In various ways, they try to take Him down and silence Him. And we know where this story is going to end....

The church also faced opposition from the very beginning. If you have time I recommend you read the first chapters of Acts. You will come across opposition right away. You also don't have to look far away today to see that persecution. It's still there.

Do you experience opposition in your life? Pressure, persecution? If so - don't be surprised. Jesus had already foretold it in John 15. Jesus talks about "light" and "darkness" - they do not go together.

John went to the king even though he knew what might happen. He went ahead regardless of the consequences. How is that actually for you and me? How far would we go if the things we would say and do had consequences?

Perhaps they are consequences that - like John's - affect you physically. Would you continue?

Or maybe it's consequences that hit you materially, maybe you have to pass up a great opportunity.... Would you continue?

Maybe it's consequences that cause you to lose friendships or be a little out of the group. Would you stay put?

It's a bit of a tough subject, but Jesus doesn't mince words; opposition will be there. At the same time, He gives tremendous encouragement. In verse 26 and 27 you read about the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to dwell in you and me. He helps you - that's His name. He comforts you - that's His name.

You are never alone.

Take the following questions to think about:

• How do you feel about this topic - oppression, suffering, opposition, etc.?
• Do you experience some of that in your own life?
• What do you do when you experience opposition?
• Do you experience the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit within you?
• Is there someone close to you with whom you can talk about these things?

Prayer: "Lord, thank You for being so honest and telling it like it is. Thank You for Your example. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and for spiritual brothers and sisters with whom I may walk together. Lord, I want to pray You for people who are persecuted. Help them. Support them. I bring them to You. Lord, help me too to faithfully follow You no matter what and not give in when opposition comes, but that I will continue to stand before You. Amen."

P.S. This is the last day of this reading plan. We hope it has helped you as a follower of Jesus and that you have enjoyed it.

The materials in this reading plan come from Alongsiders, an European discipleship movement and Jesus.net.

Of course, there is much more to discover! Do you want to take the next step? Do you have a heart for discipleship and do you want to know more about how to follow Jesus together with others? Visit our website.