Topic: Expect Persecution
Bible Reading: Genesis 36,37,38; Matthew 10:22-42
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” Matthew 10:22 (KJV).
A few years ago I remember listening to a very popular man of God, highly respected both in his country and abroad, say that God told him to start learning how to enjoy persecution if he is to fully fulfill his destiny here on earth. I began to wonder, why would a man who has done so much for his generation by the help of God be persecuted?
It all comes down to the system in place in this world. As long as it is of God, the enemy will always use his agents to try to rubbish the good works being done by God. In the scriptures, Elijah did try to make worship of the true God a priority in Israel. But the system with agents of the devil like Jezebel, the queen, resisted the true worship of God and even tried to kill Elijah the prophet (1 Kings 18 &19).
The persecution may even be from your own household. Jesus said, “a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household” Matthew 10:36 (NIV). Joseph’s brothers in today’s bible reading, tried to eliminate him so as to stop the plan of God in His life (Genesis 37). But God’s plan prevailed at the end.
Jesus came to the earth, did wonders and yet ended up being hated by the same people he came to save. So he warns us that if He, the master, could be hated and persecuted, we must expect same as the servant is not greater than the master (Matthew 10:24-25). Remember, persecution in His name is a sign that you are on the right path.
As long as you have a Kingdom dream you will face persecution. As long as you try to enlarge the works of the Lord on earth, the enemy will resist you. Joseph was resisted, so was Elijah, and our Lord, Jesus Christ. But keep at it for only those who endure to the end will be saved and fulfill destiny. Keep at it for the Holy Spirit will assist you like He did the apostles. He is still doing it today.
Prayer: Father, I receive grace to never turn my back on You in the midst of persecution.
Bro Worthmore Aghanenu