“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
Steadfastness and no Compromise.
Jesus seldom if ever defended himself or retaliated to unjust condemnation.
He silently stood taking false accusations, insults and pain inflicted upon Him.
All evidence of the enduring within the kingdom.
We so often naturally go on the defensive, feel offended, feel insulted, respond with righteous indignation.
Are quick to retaliate or give up or lack the greater understanding required to rise above such rebuffs.
To endure as Jesus did knowing and trusting in God’s justice and faithfulness and rise above.
To compromise and bend under any uncomfortable persecution.
There are many biblical indicators, turn the other cheek, walk the further mile, offer your coat as well etc along with, take the plank from your own eye, who will cast the first stone etc to remind us of our own imperfections.
We are called as Christians to have fellowship in His suffering and persecution as well as in His Glory.
We are happier to hold our head out to receive the crown than we are to bear the cross and receive the former.
It is a blessing to be able to surrender in silent acknowledgment to the persecution or pressure put upon me as a Christian because we are like Christ.
We, like Him, will be misunderstood or accused.
There are times when even our family, friends and relatives will not “get us”.
In shared pain we will advance in Him, a training for reigning!
We are not fit to serve if we only want blessings.
We are clearly told that there will be trials in this world and being a Christian does not exempt us from them.
It does helps us to remain steadfast and endure.
We undeniably will experience pressure.
What we carry will always stand at odds with the world.
In pursuit of purity and righteousness we will be at increasing odds with the world.
This is where we must endeavour to not be caught off guard and become rebellious or defensive.
We know that in His lifetime on earth Jesus was, misunderstood, betrayed, ridiculed hated, rejected, denied, lied about, had false rumours and accusations spread about Him.
All painful to Him even before the physical pain that He had to endure at the cross.
Some of the above we too will bear with Him but draw strength in the words :
“ Blessed are the persecuted. “
Our silence or conversely our bold voice speaking out for right will bring curses upon us.
Bearing intimidation and persecution will not all be sunshine and roses.
However, our enduring on earth equally stores up treasures in Heaven.
The Illustration shows the symbolic gem like treasures, we find in the darkness along the way, to embellish heaven’s glory.
Four Scriptures that come to mind:
“for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”James 1:3-4 ESV
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”Luke 9:23-24 ESV
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”Matthew 5:10-11 ESV
The song Revelation. Guy Pernod
https://youtu.be/A3IUqz10ARE
Lessisgreater 