November 4, 2019 - Jesus tells us that if we follow him in this life that we will have problems due to the hate that the world has for him and for anyone who would dare follow him.
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
And then he tells us not to worry about those of this world who would harm us, but that we should fear only the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
There is but One who can condemn one's soul to the fires of hell, our heavenly Father, Almighty God.
Proverbs tells us that fear of God is a good thing and the beginning of much more in life was it says; "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
And so since we know that we will face persecutions, maybe even to the point of death, we also know we have nothing to fear from them as long as we remain steadfast in our worship of the Lord as our Sovereign Lord and Master. So, how do we handle things when persecutions come upon us?
We lean on our God for his help to get us through the hard times.
"Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love." (Psalm 109:1-5)
Yes, in this world we will face tribulations and persecutions, but take heart Christians for our Lord has already overcome the world and through him we too shall overcome it.
"I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads." (Psalm 109:25)
It is exactly as Jesus described, that the more we work to serve him, to spread his gospel, the more we are ridiculed and persecuted by those of the world. But, be of good courage for through the strength of Jesus Christ we too will overcome them.
"Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! Let them know that this is your hand; you, O Lord, have done it! Let them curse but you will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad!" (Psalm 109:26-28)
We can count on the steadfastness of our Lord Jesus Christ to always be there for us when we are in need, we can know that through him, we will overcome!
"With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death." (Psalm 109:30-31)
No fear, no fear shall we have of this world or the evil in it for we know without doubt that the one who controls all things stands with those who remain true to him and his love for us.
"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Blessed and hallowed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...
