I am sobered this morning after reading stories of people who are persecuted for getting saved and becoming disciples of Jesus. One man who turned to Jesus from Hinduism had his wife taken from him and given to another man. He got fired from his job. Neighbors beat him repeatedly and ran him off from where he lived. Even his family tried to convince him to recant his faith and return to Hinduism. He responded, "Christ changed me and I cannot forsake Him for anything."
That is a far cry from people in the American church. They forsake Jesus in multiple ways by choosing other priorities they give their time and allegiance to over Christ. Sports, fishing, hunting, shopping, sleep, video games, travel, family just to name a few.
The Smyrna church suffered. You can read about that church in the book of Revelation. They were a persecuted church. Persecuted by the Roman government, pagan idolaters and the Jews. Out of the seven churches identified in Revelation Smyrna is one of only two churches not rebuked by Jesus.
Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)
8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
9 I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '
The Smyrna believers were warned that they would be tested and even thrown in prison. Then Jesus exhorted them to be faithful unto death.
In America we take little thought that our faith in Jesus might cost us something. It costs some Christians bakers because they refused to customize a wedding cake for a homosexual couple. They lost their business in a long legal battle. It costs 26 people their lives and 20 others bullet wounds on Nov 5, 2017 at FBC Sutherland Springs, TX. It cost Rachel Scott her life in the Columbine Massacre. It cost Anatram a bullet to the head because he trusted Christ for salvation along with his wife and five children. He got dragged from home and found dead the next day with a note attached warning people not to turn away from Hinduism. Anatram was martyred but He is profiting in heaven today with His Savior.
Even in the United States people are turning against Christ and Christians. More and more religious freedoms are taken away secretly. No group is hated more, intimidated by the powerful and censored more than Christians. We are mocked. The mainstream media often refuses to report abuses done to Christians. Strong Christians are slandered. THIS WORLD HATES JESUS AND JESUS FOLLOWERS. This is nothing new.
First century Christians suffered. They felt the sting of persecution even unto death. Jesus' challenge to the Smyrna church included, "Be faithful unto death."
That is a good word for all Jesus followers. BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. Whether death comes from suffering resulting from natural causes, a terrible disease or a violent death from persecutors we are all exhorted to be faithful unto death. Our brothers and sisters in persecuted nations experience this. They will not forsake Jesus even when it costs them their health and life. What about us? Do we love Jesus that much? What would it take for us to forsake Him. Anatram gave his life. Ssuubi said he would not forsake Jesus for anything. Even after being beaten repeatedly he still goes door to door witnessing to people about his Savior. Would we do the same? It may come to that one day. If not in our lifetimes certainly in the near future persecution will intensify. Even then we are to be faithful unto death.
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