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Blogger: James Chang
Three short years of Jesus' earthly ministry had led to this final moment. This incredible ministry -- marked with radical teachings on the path to eternal life, numerous miraculous signs, and many transformed lives -- was coming to an end, yet with so much left to be said and taught to the disciples. Try to put yourself in his shoes. What would you say to your children before they go off to college or move away for their first 'real' job? How would you coach them to live and respond to the demands of the world and the stresses of life?
Jesus had three simple reminders for his disciples: (1) don't be surprised if you're hated by the world -- remember that you now belong to the Father, not to the world; (2) wait for the Counselor and follow His lead -- he will teach you the truth, and convict the world of its need for a Savior; and (3) you now have direct access to the Father through me (Jesus), and remember, I'm coming back!
The world that Jesus spoke of in the New Testament has not changed. We still live in a world that is often hostile to those who put their faith in Christ; the Holy Spirit is still available to us 24-7; and our God still longs to hear from us daily, even though we are often too busy for Him.
Many wonder why their spiritual life remains stagnant and dull -- "What about the 'victorious life' that we are supposed to have?" Well, maybe we should consider making these three simple reminders part of our daily life. Why not make a point to carve out some time to pray to our Father daily, even if you only had 5 minutes? Why not ask Him to fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can know the truth from God's word? Why are we so quick to forget that in this world, we should expect tribulations? As a community of believers, let's rally behind each other during difficult times, and remind one another that we can overcome our trials together through Christ, who has already overcome the world.
To comment on this article or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
Showing posts with label persecution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label persecution. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Day 15, John 15
One way of understanding the significance of a passage is to consider the loss there would be if it hadn’t been recorded. John 15:18-27 is probably Jesus’ clearest statement on persecution in the gospels. It sets into context the words in verses 1-17 that describes our intimate relationship with Him. In a very affluent part of the world, it is easy to forget that we will be opposed for our faith. Yet without the teaching of this passage on persecution, the comfort offered in verses 1-17 just isn’t as powerful.
To identify yourself with God is to bring opposition of some kind upon yourself. Noah found opposition and Abraham found opposition. If we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ we identify ourselves with God. What Jesus knew, the disciples didn’t, and we need to be reminded of is this: The world is at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). Just as they oppose God, they will oppose his people who align himself with His purpose. This can occur even within the church. There can be a subtle opposition to those who would set a higher example or challenge the accepted cultural practices adopted by other Christians.
In the day following Jesus’ ascension, persecution could become outward and violent. Oftentimes, it was more subtle and economic. What does persecution look like for you? Do you ever act or talk differently around those outside of the faith? Do they ever act or speak differently around you? Total depravity teaches us that unless God changes a heart, people will remain at enmity with God. So, as you follow Christ and show faithfulness to Him in every aspect of your life, you should also expect to be misunderstood and opposed. Yet, in being misunderstood, you have an opportunity to understand Jesus Christ better. We can offer sympathy to someone from a distance if we haven’t experienced what they have experienced. But when we have shared in that experience, we can know them. When we are persecuted, we are sharing something that Jesus also experienced.
This ought to give us freedom to not be afraid of identifying ourselves with God. We should not fear making stands for Him that might take us out of a social circle or cost us some fun or money. It is going to happen. This is not an “if,” it is a “when.” And when it does, remain in Him and He will remain in you.”
How have you seen persecution? What is a good response?
To comment on this post or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
To identify yourself with God is to bring opposition of some kind upon yourself. Noah found opposition and Abraham found opposition. If we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ we identify ourselves with God. What Jesus knew, the disciples didn’t, and we need to be reminded of is this: The world is at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). Just as they oppose God, they will oppose his people who align himself with His purpose. This can occur even within the church. There can be a subtle opposition to those who would set a higher example or challenge the accepted cultural practices adopted by other Christians.
In the day following Jesus’ ascension, persecution could become outward and violent. Oftentimes, it was more subtle and economic. What does persecution look like for you? Do you ever act or talk differently around those outside of the faith? Do they ever act or speak differently around you? Total depravity teaches us that unless God changes a heart, people will remain at enmity with God. So, as you follow Christ and show faithfulness to Him in every aspect of your life, you should also expect to be misunderstood and opposed. Yet, in being misunderstood, you have an opportunity to understand Jesus Christ better. We can offer sympathy to someone from a distance if we haven’t experienced what they have experienced. But when we have shared in that experience, we can know them. When we are persecuted, we are sharing something that Jesus also experienced.
This ought to give us freedom to not be afraid of identifying ourselves with God. We should not fear making stands for Him that might take us out of a social circle or cost us some fun or money. It is going to happen. This is not an “if,” it is a “when.” And when it does, remain in Him and He will remain in you.”
How have you seen persecution? What is a good response?
To comment on this post or to look at the other postings and comments, click http://21daysinjohn.blogspot.com/
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