As the world hated Christ – so it hates those who bear His image. It was the unregenerate ‘religious’ world which most fiercely opposed Him – and sufficient for the disciple to be as his master.
– A.W. Tozer
Persecution appears in different forms. The most evident one is murder. I bet you are already thinking about the Holocaust. This is one of the many events where a vast number of people, Jew, in particular, were murdered because of the so-called difference in the race. And this was not the first one. In today’s devotional, we will look into the same pattern of why persecution happens.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Esther 3:6. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Esther 3:2: How To Differentiate Respect From Worship?
Deluded By Power
Haman is no different from Hitler. Even though he was not successful in killing the Jewish people. They are the same in the way they think of themselves – selfishly. Hitler thought that the Arian race was the supreme race, while Jewish are inferior. Not knowing that there is only one race and that is the human race.
Similarly, Haman thought highly of himself because of his sociocultural status. Therefore, thought people should bow and pay him homage. Both are delusional on the status they had, thinking it is rightfully theirs. Hence, they can do anything they wish.
Persecution In Many Forms
Satan, the accuser I think is sneakier than before. Why? This is for the reason that persecution is dressed up as something people will readily accept. In history, it was segregation based on ethnicity and murders.
Now, persecution comes in the forms of restricting your rights without you noticing it (i.e. group worship), campaigning for evil deeds (i.e. abortion and euthanasia), and controlling how you think (i.e. socialist propaganda).
The generation of today should pray for discernment more than ever. All avenues of society are slowly creating a divide amongst people. That sooner or later will produce differences and hate.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you someone who has a position at work or in any setting?
- How do you execute your position?
- Do you treat everybody fairly or you have biases?
- What do you do with these biases?
- Do you consider everyone as your equal?
- Do you acknowledge everyone as an image-bearer of God? Accept Jesus Now.
Related Posts
- The Life without Form and Void
- Prayer Request: Anonymous
- God, Enlighten Your Holy Church
- Magnify God with Thanksgiving
- The Outward Sign of Salvation
Prayer
Heavenly Father, glory and honour to your holy name. Thank you for your provision and protection in all situations of our lives. O Lord, Jesus Christ, you have saved us from the destruction of our sins. We surrender our life to follow you. Holy Spirit, thank you for comforting us during trials and troubles. May the light of you be always in us and use us as God’s instrument to share the Gospel of Christ. We pray in Jesus’ comforting name. Amen.
