On Sunday we entered into the section of Revelation where Jesus addresses seven local Churches. Jesus packs these letters with wisdom for His Church! Specifically these letters help us deal with the reality of persecution. Many Christians experience persecution and therefore these letters resonate with a great degree of urgency. But what about those of us who aren't persecuted, what can we learn from this section of Revelations?A few thoughts:
1. Suffering may be certain, but it is always limited. Jesus told us not to fear those who can kill the body, but to fear the one who can kill the soul. He always wins out in the end because he is the one who holds the keys of life and death!
2. We may not be persecuted, but others are. The reality is that there are Christians all over the world who daily face persecution for their faith. The February 13, 2012 cover article of Newsweek Magazine most recently brought this to light. www.Persecution.com is the site to an organization that tracks Christians and the nations that persecute them. They have great resources to help direct our prayers for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. We just may face persecution, so we should prepare now! This isn't fear mongering or 'painting the devil on the wall;' rather it is a fact that we must deal with. I have no idea what is in-store for American Christians, but I do know that we are always wise to dig deep in our relationship with Christ.
4. Have we avoided persecution because we have made compromises for our faith? This is as tough a question for me to write as it is a difficult one for us to answer. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us this answer, but let us take the initiative and ask it first!
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