Scott Landa | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - What Does the Bible Say Article --
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 5:10
What is persecution?
In the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2003), “persecution” is defined as harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, worldview, culture or race. Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish or even kill people. Believers have suffered some form of persecution since the beginning of time simply for desiring to follow the will of God.
As I pondered this I wondered how I, as a child of God, respond to persecution from those in the world. I remembered the precious example of Stephen.
Who was Stephen?
Stephen was one of seven deacons appointed over the congregation of Jerusalem after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. He was given much understanding and wisdom in Christ. Those who questioned and debated with him were not able to refute the wisdom given him by the Spirit. Instead, they brought him before the council in the synagogue with false accusations of blasphemy.
Stephen rebuked his accusers with the truth of God’s Word, and he was cast out and stoned and died a martyr’s death. Yet he desired that God would make his persecutors able to see God’s glory so that they might be able to own the hope of heaven as Stephen did. “He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60).
It is recorded that there was a young man there, named Saul, who witnessed and maybe even participated in the call to stone Stephen. Could it be that the loving and forgiving heart of Stephen was able to prick Saul’s conscience?
Saul was later able to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd on the road to Damascus and received Jesus into his heart when Ananias blessed him. As an apostle of Christ, he did much work in the early church in Jesus’ name.
What other examples of persecution are there in Scripture?
Abel suffered death at the hand of his brother Cain because Abel offered, by faith, to God a more excellent sacrifice (Heb. 1:4). Noah suffered the taunts and jeers from the people of the world for years as he worked on the ark God instructed him to build. The children of Israel suffered slavery and oppression. The prophets were despised and even considered as traitors to their fellow citizens for warning of God’s punishment if they continued in their worldly ways. Many were imprisoned and some put to death for believing in Christ.
Wherever the believers are, the enemy of souls is also present, working in others to treat believers with ridicule, bitterness, even hatred.
How is it in our day?
We in North America have for many years been allowed religious freedom: we can gather around the hearing of God’s Word without fear of persecution. We can see God’s guiding hand in this and pray that He continues to allow it to be so. We do, however, encounter those who cause us harm with words or actions; perhaps they ridicule our beliefs, ignore us or exclude us from their circle.
Though forms of persecution today are physically not as harsh as they were in years past, disrespectful words are still difficult to endure, and they try our faith. Remember, dear brother and sister in faith, that we have accepted this cross in hope of one day being able to inherit the glory of heaven (Mark 10:21).
How are we encouraged in our journey of faith?
Jesus instructs us to not place our trust in the things of this world. He wants us to lay aside the pride of this life so that we will have treasure in heaven. We are encouraged to remember that if we are made uncomfortable by those in this world, this is so only because the flickering candle of faith still is a light unto the world. One who lives in darkness is not able to abide the light of Christ which shines in each of His own (John 15:18).
Christ instructs us, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). It is important that we remember to have a forgiving heart towards those who mistreat us. As Stephen followed in the way of Christ, so also we say, “Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Discussion Questions:
How do we in our day stand up for our faith? What resistance might we face?
How can we support one another when we face persecution for our beliefs?
How do we as Christians want to treat those who persecute us? What does Jesus teach us?
What does Jesus mean when He says those who are persecuted are blessed?
What gives us hope during moments when we face ridicule and persecution?