Bible Reading: Psalm 38, Rev 1: 1-10
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” -Rev. 1:9(KJV)
Talking about Christianity and tribulation the bible teaches that they that be in Christ must suffer persecution, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” – 2 Timothy 3:12(KJV). The tribulation that Christians suffer stems from their persecution due to the teaching of the word of God and the testimony they bear of Jesus Christ. Christ warned us of this during His physical sojourn on earth: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” – John 16:33 (KJV).
John, the Apostle, in our scriptural verse of today affirm that he was in the Island of Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Tribulation is not necessary a result of sin like many may want to assume. It is a process that genuine Christianity must pass through. It is an experience that test one’s faith. It is a state of suffering for someone’s belief. Apostle Paul elucidated on this in Acts 14:22(KJV): “Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”. This gives much assurance to us Christians during the time of affliction and trials to be patient and prayerful. “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”
It is very understandable why genuine Christians suffer tribulation and persecution. Our Christian belief and practice is diametrically opposed to the world’s norms and values. When true Christianity is practiced in a society laden with corruption and ungodly values, such practitioner is easily and conspicuously isolated and hated. In most cases, different types of traps are put on his way, he becomes a victim of backlash of anger from his corrupt bosses. Among his colleagues they backbite him, and in most cases, frame him up. Many Christians have been dismissed for an offence they did not commit. Some have been unjustly treated in the offices where they work, to the extent of being denied their dues, such as promotion.
Apostle John said he was on the Island of Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. He was not banished to that Island for anything other than declaring the word of God and bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. When you live in a depraved society and claim you are a Christian and loved by everyone, then there is a comma to your believe and what you stand for. The core teaching of Christianity is love, holiness, righteousness, purity and sanctification. These are seriously opposed to the generally accepted societal norms and values. When a Christian police officer is posted to an anti-robbery squad whose members are corrupt to the core, there definitely will be a conflict unless he compromises. Same applies to a beautiful sister who works with a morally depraved boss; there definitely will be conflict, unless there is a compromise.
As Christians we must jealously guide our belief and make our confession known. We must stand bold to declare Jesus Christ. We must be ever ready to bear the pain and suffering associated to our Christian faith. This is so because our hope does not end with this world of sin and depravity, but in heaven, a place of eternal bliss, joy, peace and holiness. We must strive to live for Him who demonstrated an unequal love towards us by paying the price of our sins. We must have an eternal identity like Apostle John and the other Apostles. We must be ready at all times to lay down our lives for the joy of winning Christ Jesus our Lord. We must say like Apostle Paul, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” – Phil. 3:10 (KJV)
It is better to suffer persecution for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ and make heaven than have all the enjoyment on earth and end up in an everlasting discomfort and pain in hell.
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to stand firm in my belief irrespective of the tribulation and persecution it may attract.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo