Mark 13: 9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. [NIV]
These teachings of Jesus assure us that before the end of the age, that the gospel will be preached to all nations. These signs in vv. 9-12 are happening right now, across the whole globe. There is relatively little true persecution to be had in the United States of America, where I type this comment. People here that claim persecution are almost always exaggerating the severity of it. Jesus says that under persecution, many of our family of believers will be sent before the authorities and even killed for their witness.
Some prayers that I might add at the end of my posts here have to do with our persecuted brothers and sisters, globally.
Organizations, such as the Voice of the Martyrs, partner with other Christian groups and front-line workers in restricted and hostile nations. They provide Bibles and aid to those (and their families) that need comfort most, who are persecuted most. They also report on the imprisonment (and try to gain release for) and the deaths of believers because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
How many people have been comforted down through the centuries by Jesus’ words: “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Only God knows the true number of martyrs that there have been and will be for their testimony.
Revelation 6:9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. [ESV]
Maranatha! IC -|- XC
Prayer for Today:
Lord, thank You that persecuted Christians know You and Your mighty power. Continue working in and through them and those imprisoned for their faith. Protect their families and give them peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Matthew 5:43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. [ESV]
Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com/