Persecution Can Actually Measure Success!
The Gospel of John
John Chapter 16
Scripture: John chapter 16: 2, 4, 33 (Contemporary English Version)
2) You will be chased out of the Jewish meeting places. And the time will come when people will kill you and think they are doing God a favor.
4) I am saying this to you now, so that when the time comes, you will remember what I have said.
I was with you at the first, and so I didn't tell you these things.
33) I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.
Observation: As I read John chapter 16, verse 2 jumped off the page at me. I immediately thought of the Apostle Paul who, as Saul, in the book of Acts Chapter 9 is doing what John chapter 16 verse 2 is describing.
Acts 9:1-2 (New International Version)
1) Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Paul writes in the book of Philippians chapter 3 verse 6, that he was zealously persecuting the church and then states that he always followed the law.
Philippians 3:6 (Contemporary English Version)
6) And I was so eager that I even made trouble for the church. I did everything the Law demands in order to please God.
It wasn’t very long after Jesus spoke to the disciples that this persecution started. I am sure that in some way the followers of Jesus were surprised that it was their fellow countrymen who were trying to imprison them and take their lives. The early church was not trying to start a new religion; they had no choice but to flee Judaism. This separation from Judaism was forced upon the church and just as Jesus had stated, his followers were persecuted as he was. Still amidst all the persecution the church was able to have peace because they could recall what Jesus had told them. In fact, in a seemingly strange way the persecution would actually have reassured the church, because an attack would have revealed that they were actually doing everything that Jesus expected them to do. They could also remember that they had seen with their eyes that the works of mankind could not prevent the triumph of Jesus. Jesus had overcome the world and they too could overcome all that was thrown at them.
Application: If an event is predicted there is an element of recognition even if you are surprised. In fact, if what you are experiencing is a predicted outcome based upon your behavior then the encounter can actually measure your progress. If I am living a life sold out to Christ I will encounter resistance and even persecution. Attacks against me might come through people and earthly circumstances and they might also come through the impetus of hell itself. Despite these attacks, I can be encouraged and remain in God’s peace, for all of these forces gathered to destroy my Savior and he through the power of his Heavenly Father defeated them all. If God is for us then what can stand against us (see Romans 8:28-39)? Persecution may simply indicate your graduation day. Attacks might be telling you that everything is right, you are growing and God is actually using your life as an instrument for victory! (See Romans 5:1-5 and James 1:1-4).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for your work in my life. I see you in struggles and attacks, you are making me mature. I rejoice Lord that you are growing me up. May I be a testimony to those around me that you are always faithful and know what is best for me. I want to give you glory through whatever I may encounter. Your Grace is sufficient Jesus, please help me to not whine or complain but trust in you!
John Chapter 16
Scripture: John chapter 16: 2, 4, 33 (Contemporary English Version)
2) You will be chased out of the Jewish meeting places. And the time will come when people will kill you and think they are doing God a favor.
4) I am saying this to you now, so that when the time comes, you will remember what I have said.
I was with you at the first, and so I didn't tell you these things.
33) I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.
Observation: As I read John chapter 16, verse 2 jumped off the page at me. I immediately thought of the Apostle Paul who, as Saul, in the book of Acts Chapter 9 is doing what John chapter 16 verse 2 is describing.
Acts 9:1-2 (New International Version)
1) Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Paul writes in the book of Philippians chapter 3 verse 6, that he was zealously persecuting the church and then states that he always followed the law.
Philippians 3:6 (Contemporary English Version)
6) And I was so eager that I even made trouble for the church. I did everything the Law demands in order to please God.
It wasn’t very long after Jesus spoke to the disciples that this persecution started. I am sure that in some way the followers of Jesus were surprised that it was their fellow countrymen who were trying to imprison them and take their lives. The early church was not trying to start a new religion; they had no choice but to flee Judaism. This separation from Judaism was forced upon the church and just as Jesus had stated, his followers were persecuted as he was. Still amidst all the persecution the church was able to have peace because they could recall what Jesus had told them. In fact, in a seemingly strange way the persecution would actually have reassured the church, because an attack would have revealed that they were actually doing everything that Jesus expected them to do. They could also remember that they had seen with their eyes that the works of mankind could not prevent the triumph of Jesus. Jesus had overcome the world and they too could overcome all that was thrown at them.
Application: If an event is predicted there is an element of recognition even if you are surprised. In fact, if what you are experiencing is a predicted outcome based upon your behavior then the encounter can actually measure your progress. If I am living a life sold out to Christ I will encounter resistance and even persecution. Attacks against me might come through people and earthly circumstances and they might also come through the impetus of hell itself. Despite these attacks, I can be encouraged and remain in God’s peace, for all of these forces gathered to destroy my Savior and he through the power of his Heavenly Father defeated them all. If God is for us then what can stand against us (see Romans 8:28-39)? Persecution may simply indicate your graduation day. Attacks might be telling you that everything is right, you are growing and God is actually using your life as an instrument for victory! (See Romans 5:1-5 and James 1:1-4).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for your work in my life. I see you in struggles and attacks, you are making me mature. I rejoice Lord that you are growing me up. May I be a testimony to those around me that you are always faithful and know what is best for me. I want to give you glory through whatever I may encounter. Your Grace is sufficient Jesus, please help me to not whine or complain but trust in you!
