To say that Ive been deeply disturbed by whats happening in Iraq right now would be an understatement. Im sure this is true for many of you also. And this has got me thinking. Because the horrific persecution ISIS is perpetrating on the Christians in Iraq is just that - persecution. What do I - what do we - actually believe about persecution? When its portrayed so viscerally right before our eyes? I will share here some things that I have always supposedly believed, but that have only in the last week become real to me, with the request that you continue this thread in the comments. And yes, I know these are extreme. Persecution is a gift. For to you it has been granted for Messiahs sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake. (Philippians 1:29) Persecution is unavoidable. All who desire to live lives of devotion in Messiah Yeshua will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12) To die a premature and bloody martyrs death is glorious. He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. (John 21:19) Those who have been murdered for their faith will be avenged. But not yet. And this is hard. I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Master, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth? (Revelation 6:9-10) And, finally, in the end those who have suffered for Messiah will be comforted, along with their families and loved ones. It is going. to be. ok. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4) So, to our brothers and sisters in Iraq - we love you, we are with you, be strong, fight on. This is not the end.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:23:37 +0000
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