Persecution
I heard an interesting report on the radio last week
about a few soldiers in Iraq. Apparently, some soldiers on active duty
spend their free time helping orphaned Iraqi children. They gather toys
and treats sent from America and pass them out to these orphans. This
helps the soldiers get their minds off the worries of war and blesses
the orphans who have no mother or father to provide for them.
This report was encouraging to hear (contrary to most of the news we
often hear) and a reminder of the Lord’s statement found in Acts 20:35,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Yet, it had a sad twist. These soldiers were told they needed to stop
befriending the orphans because it put them at risk. Any Iraqis becoming
too close to American troops are targeted to be killed by the
insurgents.
Thankfully, rather than disheartening the troops it has motivated these
soldiers to begin establishing safe havens for Iraqi orphans so they can
be both helped and protected.
This story can become an interesting parable for us today.
God has sent His Son to fight a spiritual battle for us, defeating sin,
Satan and death to bless the faithful (1 John 3:8).
Yet, within our own countries, churches and families we must face
persecution from the opponents of pure Christianity (John 3:19-21;
Matthew 10:34-38).
Should this persecution back us away from doing what is right? No.
Instead, we should realize that God has provided a “safe haven” of rest
for all those who follow Him faithfully throughout their lives (Matthew
5:10,11; John 14:1-4; Revelation 2:10).
The promises of God are always greater than the persecution of the world
(Matthew 5:11,12)!
Think about it.
April 2006