Today's Devotion

December 8, 2010

Evaluate Your Spiritual Condition by Your Reaction to Persecution

The apostles, when confronted by opposition, refused to yield to the Jewish leader’s pressure. Quite the contrary, they became even more direct with the plain truth. This enraged the opposition and put the apostles in harm’s way.

“When they heard [this], they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. "For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. "After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; "but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it——lest you even be found to fight against God." And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus [as] the Christ.” (Acts 5:33-42 NKJV)

God’s providence, working through Gamaliel, kept the apostles from being killed, but it allowed them to be beaten. Even so, what was meant to discourage turned out to be a source of great rejoicing.

At first this may seem to go against the natural order of things. However, the natural order of things for those in God’s kingdom is different than for those outside of His grace. This difference then becomes a rod by which believers may measure their state of spirituality.

Your ability to rejoice in the midst of persecution says a good deal about your walk. Remember when the men were in the boat and the storm overtook them? Jesus said to them, “. . . Why are you so fearful? How [is it] that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40 NKJV)

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,” (2 Timothy 1:6-8 NKJV)

The first question to ask is, “Am I suffering at all for the Gospel?” The Bible clearly says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV) If your ministry is not contrary to the doctrines of the world, then no persecution will come. Like those who hid in the circumcision, you will likely escape notice.
“As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these [would] compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” (Galatians 6:12 NKJV)

The next thing to ask is, “Does persecution stop you?” Clearly, courage may be found with only the possibility of persecution, but what about when it actually happens to you? Do you find a way out, or do you stand your ground? These men faced their fears and stood steadfast in the fire.

Lastly, “Does persecution cause you to rejoice?” Those who are walking in the Spirit of God have the grace of God. These men rejoice because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. That’s a different perspective isn’t it?

We usually wonder what we have done wrong when trouble comes our way. However, when you are doing the Lord’s work; and that brings on the persecution, you know you are blessed. As it is written:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great [is] your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV)

Let us read on, however. For this blessing comes only to the faithful.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all [who are] in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

Therefore, remember to have courage today. “. . . [M]y beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)