the certainty of persecution
“Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.” —Wisdom 2:20
If we want to live a godly life, we can expect to be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We don’t know the severity of this persecution, but we do know the certainty of it.
Although many non-Christians pride themselves on being tolerant, they will probably not tolerate Christians, for we are obnoxious to them (Wis 2:12). They think we are setting ourselves against their doings, reproaching them “for transgressions of the law,” charging them with violations of their training, and censuring their thoughts (Wis 2:12, 14). Merely to see us is a hardship for many non-Christians because our lives are different (Wis 2:14-15). There is an automatic tension between Christians and non-Christians. Eventually something has to give; something has to snap. Non-Christians either take up Jesus’ cross (Lk 9:23) or they crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt by attacking His disciples (see Heb 6:6).
May your life in Christ be so authentic that you are worthy of being persecuted.
Prayer: Father, in life may I lead many people to You. In death, may I lead many more people to You.
Promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.” —Ps 34:19
Praise: Jesus healed Michael of tumors in his throat.
Reference: (For a related teaching on The Remnant, listen to, download or order CD 79-3 or DVD 79 on our website.)
Rescript: For many years, several youths gathered together monthly to pray the rosary in front of a local abortion chamber for an end to legalized abortion.
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