City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV)

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 

John 15:18-20a (ESV)

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)

Reflection

Persecution, yes all of us will suffer persecution It is not an untruth, but a solid and firm promise that Jesus tells us will happen. Who will build a house without first counting the costs to build it (Luke 14:28 paraphrased)? Jesus was very clear that following Him will not be an easy task and we should all weigh the costs to do so. Are we willing to give our very own lives for the Truths set out in the Bible? You may say, “Yes!” and then change your mind when persecution comes.

Many of us are shallow in our faiths and do not realize it. Even the author of Hebrews says “com’on bro, you can do better than that, you haven’t even struggled to the point of spilling your own blood” (Hebrews 12:4, paraphrased).

Many may quote Jeremiah 29:11 in rebuttal and say that Jesus has plans to prosper us, to give us a future and a hope. Of course, this was in the context of the Jews and Jesus’ plans to bring them back to Israel. Still, how do we reconcile the promises of God for joy and peace as well as persecution?

For those who suffer or have suffered persecution, the foundation of faith keeps you firm and your faith and joy increase after. It is hard to experience God’s joy and peace when things are going well. It is when we follow Him and suffer persecution for it, that we can truly understand and see all the promises that God has for us. This is simply because we have to rely on Him when the world rejects us. Thus, both persecution and joy exists together.

And if we suffer to the point of death? Then do we not have an eternal life of joy and peace that awaits us?

Application

I grew up on the mission’s field in Sweden, a country where many assume is a predominantly Christian nation. According to the CIA World Factbook, Sweden’s “main” religion is Lutheran by almost 60%, but few go to church. Faith is ridiculed and considered obsolete in the eyes of most. A thing of the past. An outdated practice.

Proclaiming faith meant persecution, and I was shaped at a young age because of this. I would be laughed at in school and be called “little Jesus” and few would want to be friends with me. My own teacher told my parents that I was forced into faith and it was her job to teach me otherwise. Being so young at the time, I did not know how to stand up for myself as I do now. Yet, as the years progressed, defending my faith became a drive to seek knowledge. I would delve into apologetics and argue anyone(mostly online) about the foundations of Christianity.

Even though this persecution may have seemed bad at the time, it shaped me into who I am today. It gave me a firm foundation and a strong basis of knowledge to increase my faith in God. This has produced in me a peace that nothing can shake and a joy that cannot cease.

Do not shy away from living for God and the persecution that comes with it. It is what God will use to mold and shape you into someone who is becoming more like Him. Your joy in the Lord will increase from the hate of the world because it forces you to draw yourself closer to Him. His wings will cover and protect you always (Psalm 91:4 paraphrased).

Prayer

Father in heaven, help me not be afraid of persecution. Let Your Holy Spirit guide me as I follow You. I trust You to keep me strong and to persevere through the suffering and trials that this world offers. Help me to be strong and courageous. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.