Memorise: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matt 5:11)
Read: Revelation 1:9-11
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev 1:9).
One common practice with believers of old was their ability to accept and rejoice in tribulations, sufferings, shame and discomfort that came as a result of their faith in Christ. They had an understanding that the moment they publicly declared for Jesus, they became targets of persecution. Unlike us, they did not cry, whip up emotions or engage in self pity as they suffered for Christ; but instead rejoiced exceedingly for being counted worthy to partake in Christ's suffering (Acts 5:40-42). Persecution did not terminate the Gospel during the Early Church, rather it made those who were spiritually asleep to wake up and preach the Gospel. According to Acts 4:18-31, threats could not stop the disciples; rather it doubled their courage to declare the Gospel they were warned never to preach again even without any threat. Many of us have stopped preaching. Even when there is no serious persecution, we manufacture excuses for not continuing with the Word. Are you truly a companion in tribulation?
In Matthew 5:10-12, the Lord reveals the blessedness of being persecuted for Christ's sake. He told us it is something worth celebrating. That was the response of the Early Church. John the Beloved suffered for Christ like other disciples. When he could not be roasted in boiling oil, he was brought out and banished to the most dangerous island where his only companions were wild animals. He rejoiced and there, received the Book of Revelation. Do you know that periods of hardship, denials and sufferings are Heaven's ideal moments for revelations? Have you been complaining, regretting or sorrowing over the difficulties, problems and trials as a result of your faith? Stop that today! Jesus says you should rejoice because of the great rewards that will come to you. In addition, John was in the Spirit on the Lord's day when he received the Book of Revelation. This shows that your state of preparedness determines the insight you receive whenever you go into God's presence. If you are in the flesh, you would find it difficult to access the things of the Spirit. Do you know it is good to wait on the Lord to access His presence on Sunday morning? If you would get the best from God, deny your flesh as you enter His presence. You will not return empty.
Action point
Persecutions because of your faith in Christ should be celebrated, not mourned. How do you handle this?
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