Matthew 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. NIV
Ahn Ei Sook, was a Korean woman who lived through terrible times during the time when Japanese occupied Korea in the ‘30s through 1945. She took a powerful stand alone for God’s truth, despite arrest, imprisonment and possible execution. She was imprisoned in a prison camp for her faith, and refused to bow down to Japanese idol worship though many Christians did that day. She was tortured for six years until her release. On the day of her release, a sympathetic prison guard shouted, “Ladies and gentlemen! These are the ones who for six long years refused to worship Japanese gods. They fought against severe torture, hunger and cold, and have won without bowing their heads to the Idol worship of Japan. Today they are champions of the faith!”. The crowd then shouted “Praise to the name of Jesus,” and began to sing joyously.
She made the decision to go to the parliament of Japan and speak out against the injustice of the persecution of Christians. I was teaching in a bible study meeting sometimes ago. Our study was on the book of Thessalonians. I told them about the persecution Thessalonian Christians faced. I related the events with the present day persecution of Christians in some parts of the world. I asked my audience if they won't deny Jesus in the face of persecution. Some raised their hands but I told them to keep their hands down. They can't really know what their reaction would be until they face life threatening persecution. During Ahn Ei Sook's time, many Christians bowed to the Japanese idol.
One bitter truth about the faith we profess is that it comes with a lot of persecution. Paul said, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted".(2 Timothy 3:12 | NIV). No matter how we pray away persecution, it is part of our package. Early Christians were taught and prepared for persecution. That was why they had martyrs whose names are in the history books. They stood for their faith and believed in whom they have accepted not minding if they lose their lives. Our resolve must be to stay true to Jesus not minding the circumstances. True disciples don't deny Jesus for earthly advantages.
Father, I receive the grace to endure persecution in Jesus name.
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