June 25th was Open Doors Canada’s One With Them Sunday to pray for Christian captives, and June 29th is the Day of the Christian Martyr.
Many of us here in the western world live with incredible freedom to express our faith while others are paying a high price to call themselves followers of Jesus.
According to the Open Doors 2022 World Watch List research, last year 6,175 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned because of their faith. Another 3,829 Christians were abducted. And these are just the cases we know about. (onewiththem.ca)
Jesus says in this week's verses that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are blessed. Notice that this is specific persecution. These people are persecuted because of their righteousness. There will be times when your righteousness, your faith, is something that others will try to use against you. Remember when this happens that we ought to seek God’s blessing rather than men’s. Jesus says of those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.
Likewise, when others speak evil of us, and to us, for Jesus’ sake, we are blessed. Notice this verse doesn’t say “if” these things happen, but rather, “when”. Persecution will come when you commit to live for the gospel’s sake. We must keep our focus on the truth of God’s word, that we are blessed in His eyes.
This week, remember those who are persecuted and martyred for the gospel’s sake every day. Fight for them in prayer and determine to live your life in constant thankfulness of the safety and freedom we have been blessed with.
Have a blessed week,
Mission
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