Jesus. All About Life.Uzorak

Reflection

Remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead… (2 Tim 2:8)

This passage is the point of difference, the point of friction and frustration for so many people worldwide. It is both the cause of persecution and the answer to persecution.

The cause is because in the Middle East, one of the main contentions for Muslims when it comes to Christianity is Jesus’ resurrection, and it’s the answer because, in the face of suffering, it is the fact that Jesus conquered death that gives persecuted believers hope.

For Christians, Easter is a time of increased persecution the world over. It is not a weekend of great services, lights, sounds, Easter eggs, and food. It is fraught with danger, risk, and solemnity.

I will never forget the words of a Christian mother of two who had lived through the 2016 Easter bombings in Lahore, Pakistan, who said,

“we celebrate Easter, knowing that at any time, a suicide bomber can come and disrupt our service, our worship, our praying. Then I think: will it really be disrupted? Or will I be sent into the fullness of worship?”

This year, let’s not forget the significance of Easter, unsurpassed a truly innocent man killed for our crimes to buy our freedom. Jesus, who 2,000 years on the message of unity, divides the world, instills fear in political powers and religions at whose very name people all over the globe suffer pain, humiliation, and grief. Yet the Bible says blessed are the persecuted.

Remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead…

Action point

This Easter, take a moment to ponder on the words of the Pakistani mother above - the fullness of worship. Empathise with the haunting beauty of her words, and let is re-shape your understanding of the enormity of Easter.

Prayer

Dear Father, Thank you for the gift of your son Jesus. Thank you for restoring humanity to you through the death of your son. I pray this Easter for people worldwide who share our faith but not our freedom, give them protection from people who’d want to disrupt their worship, and the opportunity to celebrate the enormity of all that was achieved on the cross. In the wonderful name of our son, Jesus. Amen.

About the writer

Mike is a well-known communicator and thought leader in the Christian and business spheres. Over the past ten years, Mike has dedicated his time to working for Open Doors, a charity that helps people who risk everything following Jesus.