Text: Matthew 24:9-10 NKJV

Further Reading: Matthew 10:16-36

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

Matthew 24:9-10 NKJV

MESSAGE

If you have been following this devotional, you will notice how extensively we have been speaking about persecution and suffering. This is because persecution and suffering are part of what we would encounter on our Christian journey to heaven. They are also some of the signs of the end times.

We have come to a point in the world today where more Christian minorities all over the world are being so highly persecuted. Many are being killed and imprisoned in nations like North Korea, Afghanistan, Eritrea and many other countries for their faith in Christ. One story that was so touching was of one Fatima in Saudi Arabia. She was brutalized and killed by her own brother because of her devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We who live in free and democratic nations must pray to uphold these brothers and sisters.

Many have taught that suffering is not for the new testament Saints, but this is not true. Throughout the new testament, we see references pointing to suffering as part of what we would experience in this world. The Lord himself pre-prepared our minds for the obvious tribulations that we will undergo for his name’s sake.

Apostle Paul reiterated this truth when he said: Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
II Timothy 3:12 NKJV

From the first century church, persecution has been a major whip in the hand of the enemy to wreak havoc on the followers of Christ. Who will forget any soon the persecution and martyrdom of Stephen and the threatening of Saul to cause more damage? God has however used persecution as a significant tool in refining and purifying His church.

Though persecution has been around since the early days of the church, the Bible told us that it will be more intense in these last days. In our text of the day, the Lord said many believers will be afflicted, killed, and hated by nations because they are His followers.

God is bringing us this message today for two major reasons. One is to prepare your heart for coming persecution if you are not in some sort of persecution already. The other is to encourage those who are currently going through some forms of persecution whether in their home, office, or community.

Here is God’s word of encouragement to such:
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
I Peter 4:12‭-‬13 NKJV

There is great glory at the end of your suffering, so don’t give up because joy comes in the morning.

REFLECTION

You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.

Luke 21:16 NKJV

The true followers of Christ must brace up and prepare for upcoming persecutions and trust God for grace to go through them. Those who are already in their furnace of affiliation will be helped by the Lord in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER

Pray for those who are currently enduring persecution of some sort. Ask God for grace to stay true to Christ when persecution arises against you.