Today’s Reading, Acts 11-12
Focal Scripture: Acts 12:5 “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently to God for him.”
When you stand up for biblical truth you must know that you will be persecuted. Sometimes this persecution is obvious and other times it is not very clear. Before we go any further we must define what persecution is in this context. Biblically, persecution happens because of a persons adherence or commitment to God. It can take the form of verbal attacks, scorn, ridicule, imprisonment, and even death. These attacks might come from people you don’t know but can happen from people you do know.
In todays reading we catch up with Peter being thrown into prison because of his beliefs. King Herod just martyred his friend James with the sword. Because that act pleased the Jews he decided to throw Peter in prison. Why? Because Herod wanted to earn favor with those who hated the movement. Herod was earning capital with those who hated Jesus and his message. This hate was intentional and passionate.
What we need to learn from today’s reading is that persecution should be expected in the life of a believer. When you are uncompromising in your beliefs people will find ways to attack you personally or try to destroy you socially. In America most of our persecution will not be with the threat of death. Ours will happen socially, academically, and finically. It will even happen from professing believers.
Unfortunately, the worst persecution I have received in my life has come from people who claim to worship God. This persecution has been because I take my faith serious. I have been called names, isolated, and even complained about because I pushed people to think about the Bible in a deeper way. I even had one religious leader question why I had to think differently than everyone else.
The heartache comes when unbelievers have been more accepting of how my mind works than fellow believers. Why do I tell this story? Because I want you to know that when you stand for Jesus you will make enemies. Don’t be afraid of this truth and don’t shy away from it either. Embrace the goodness of God and trust the process.
When you do get persecuted have people around you who will pray for you like they did for Peter. I also want you to be aware that if you are not getting some persecution because of your faith, your faith might be too silent for others to notice.
Persecution is a gift from God that lets you know you are walking down the correct path.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Acts 13-15
