‘God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.’ Matthew 5:10-12(NLT)
‘I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
The World’s Hatred
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’ If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. ‘ John 15:15-25(NLT)
‘“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”’ John 17:13-26(NLT)
‘Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. ‘ John 15:20(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
The more committed you are to following Him, the more you will be persecuted. But the fire of persecution refines us to shine brighter and purer with His light.
GOING DEEPER
When does persecution come? It comes when we pick up our cross and follow Jesus. When we renounce the things of this world and pursue righteousness, we will be persecuted. The world is so offended at righteousness, so we must be prepared.
We sometimes want all the seemingly good things that Christianity brings to our lives, but we really don’t want the things that are painful or appear to be bad. The thought of having to suffer for the sake of the gospel makes many shudder. Following Him may cost you family and friends, a lifestyle, stuff, and more stuff. But the precious, inexpressible reward is great! He wants to give us something far greater than these things: a love that would go to the depths and to the ends of the earth for Him.
Read Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 15:15-25 and His prayer for them in John 17:13-26. Pray through these passages. Note key verses that you want to ask God to implant in your heart and mind. Imagine Jesus praying for you.
Now re-read John 15:20. What is Jesus saying here? Is He your master? Are you willing to be persecuted for following Him as your master?
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Are you frightened of being the light in the darkness because you might suffer persecution? If so take this fear to the Lord in your prayer time.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 7