They Pray for Our Persecution

Read Hebrews 10:32-11:2

Context: Paul has talked about Christ's sacrifice and he's been encouraging the Hebrews to persevere through the trials they are facing.

Text:

32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
38But my righteous one[a] will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."[b]

39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for. (NIV)

Footnotes:

a. Hebrews 10:38 One early manuscript But the righteous
b. Hebrews 10:38 Hab. 2:3,4

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Did you know that some of the Christian leaders in China are praying that American Christians will face persecution for their faith? Not so that we would get a taste of what they suffer, but so that we would get a taste of the strength of conviction and holy blessings that are received as a result of persecution. They see a nation enamored with the fun of 'playing church' and full of a shallow faith that can't withstand a tight budget, much less true persecution.

What is your reaction to this prayer? At first I was a little miffed that someone would wish pain on others, but the more I looked at organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, the more I realized that we know little about the deep faith in the unseen that our brothers under persecution have gained.

We hesitate to tell a co-worker about Christ because we are concerned with their perception of us. These people are willing to hold illegal churches in their homes and to distribute contraband Bibles in the face of the assurance of prison or even death if they are caught.

So, this year, have you talked more about your Christmas holiday than your Christ? I'm sure I have.