John the Baptist a righteous man, a bold, fearless and fiery preacher of righteousness.
While all the religious authorities of his day kept silence over the incestuous, adulterous and abominable marriage of Herod and Herodias, John spoke out the truth "It is not lawful for thee to have her", he incurred the wrath of King Herod leading to imprisonment and his death.
The question of John in Matthew 11:3 is like questioning why a righteous man should suffer.
Matthew 11:3
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
Christ himself was not spared persecution and He predicted persecution for all his followers.
John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
From the righteous Patriarchs and Prophets of old to saints of the early church, to the middle age church, up till now, persecution has remained an inextricable part of the life of the righteous.
Count it not strange when you are persecuted.
It is God's instrument in making and maturing the Christians.
God does not allow you to be persecuted in order to punish you but to promote and proper you.
Daniel from the first day in Babylon purposed and determined never to compromise the worship of the only and true God.
He remained undaunting amidst all kinds of opposition and intimidation.
Political enemies tried in all ways to bring him down but he remained faultless. Not done yet, they hurriedly sponsored a bill and obtained a decree to silence him forever via the Lions den.
Eventually he was cast into the lions den but God did not forsake him as he had a miraculous deliverance.
Though men may persecute, frustrate and forsake you the Lord will not forsake you.
The experience of Joseph in his master's house landed him in prison. Joseph did not appeal against his unrighteous sentence.
The presence of God never departed from Joseph. He endured through his night of persecution with the attendant psychological and emotional trauma.
He harboured neither resentment nor bitterness against persecutors and eventually his morning came.
The time of persecution is not the time of self-piteous acquiescence, important embitted ranting and unguarded lamentations but a time of intense and serious prayers.
Faith gives an assurance that even if all we have is lost through persecution, there is a hope for a better future.
Consciousness of divine presence keeps our consecrations and commitment in times of persecution.
What God does for Christians when we are persecuted for righteousness sake:
- You will be persecuted but not forsaken
- Joy comes in the morning
- His presence will always be with you even in the midst of persecution
- He teaches you to be patient, prayerful and faithful.
- You learn to look up to Him as the Author and Finisher of our faith.
- He teaches you Love (Love for your persecutors).
PRAYER:
Grant me understanding in your truth God, that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecutions.
REFLECTION:
Don't see persecution for the sake of Christ as vain suffering but profitable suffering.
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