Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:6-10
According to one recent study, almost one of every seven people who identify themselves as Christians around the world face discrimination, restrictions, persecution, jail, or martyrdom simply for their faith. In Africa the number is one of every five, and in Asia it is two of every five. While in America we have enjoyed a level of freedom from attack that is almost unprecedented in church history, that is not promised to us for the future. A new wave of hostility toward those who faithfully proclaim what the Word of God says has entered city halls and state legislatures and courtrooms across the country. We are seeing people lose jobs or be sued and threatened with having their freedom limited or taken away.
As a result, some churches have begun watering down the truth so they will be more acceptable in the eyes, of the world. But being accepted by the world has never been the goal. God did not promise that He would deliver us from every persecution. Instead, he promised that He would never forsake in times of persecution. Paul knew this truth well. In his final epistle, written to Timothy from a prison cell in Rome where he was awaiting execution, Paul recounted some of the trials Timothy had seen him endure: “Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:11-12). The blessings of staying true to the Lord and doing His work even during times of opposition and persecution are great and worth the cost.
