Jesus told a parable about a sower casting seeds…using the soils to describe
symbolically the hearts of those hearing about the Kingdom of Heaven. When
persecution comes on some people, they respond as Jesus described…. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky
places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with
joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when
affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls
away. Matthew 13:20-21. How do you react to persecution? When someone
challenges your faith, your beliefs do you turn away? Here in the United States
most people never experience real persecution—especially not like those in
countries where Christians are executed for their faith. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we
were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since
you are standing firm in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 NIV.
Who will separate us from the love
of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35.
RSVP: Jesus is inviting and challenging you to stand
up for your faith, for your belief in Him as the Son of God, as your Savior. How
will you respond to Him today?
Prayer ~ Jesus, we put on the full
armor of God, so that we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the
devil. Ephesians 6:11. Continue to guide and protect me, my family, friends and
neighbors that we would live in a way that others know that we belong to You…and
even in times of trial or persecution may we live each moment of each day in
such a way as to bring You honor and glory.
©
2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
- All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
No comments:
Post a Comment