Persecution Creates Opportunity

Persecution creates Opportunity

Devotion In Motion

Matthew 10:21-26

His men should expect persecution from both religious and civil authorities – in the synagogues and before governors. And here’s the reason God allows us to be persecuted: opposition produces opportunity! The disciples will be scourged and suffer for Jesus’ sake, but in the process they’ll have some amazing opportunities to declare the Gospel. When Paul went before the Roman governor of Palestine he could’ve been set free, but he appealed his case to Caesar. He wanted to preach to the Emperor. Paul was given an all-expense paid trip to the capital of the world – courtesy of the Roman government.

 It was a scary proposition, but a marvelous opportunity. To the disciples the cause was more important than their comfort. What about us? Are we willing to be opposed if it creates an opportunity to speak for Jesus? What’s more important, your relaxation or someone’s salvation? Jesus continues, “But when they deliver you up, do not  worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”

 This is a tremendous comfort! We should always be as prepared as possible to speak for God, but in moments when it’s impossible to prepare the Holy Spirit will provide us supernatural recall. He’ll be there with the right words at the right time. “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” Persecution will become fierce. It’ll cut across family lines.

 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Tradition tells us what happened to the twelve disciples. Only one, the Apostle John, died of natural causes. And that was only after the Emperor Domitian tried to boil him in boiling oil. God miraculously delivered him.

Peter was crucified in Rome on an upside down cross. James was beheaded in Jerusalem. Andrew was crucified in Greece on a cross in the shape of an “X”. Philip was hanged in Asia Minor. Bartholomew or Nathaniel was skinned alive and beheaded in Armenia. Matthew was slain with a sword in Ethiopia. Thomas was impaled with a lance while he was preaching  in India. The other James was thrown from the Jewish Temple and stoned to death. Thaddaeus was shot with arrows in Mesopotamia. Simon the Zealot was attacked by a mob near the Persian Gulf. Jesus tells them, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

There’s an urgency to reach the cities of Israel. Israel will be ravished and Jerusalem sacked by the Romans in 70 AD. Jesus knew of this coming judgment, and He encourages His disciples to make the cities of Israel their priority. They won’t have until the end of the age to reach their own villages – only a few short years. This is why in verse 5 Jesus told His disciples not to go to the Gentiles on this mission, but only to the Jews.

Verse 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” The word “Beelzebub” means “lord of the flies”. It was the name of a Philistine god. The Philistines lived in an area that is known today as the Gaza strip, an area that is still heavily infested with flies. By the time of Jesus “Beelzebub” had become a name for Satan. Since Jesus’ enemies refused to acknowledge that His power was from God they had no other alternative than to say it was from Satan. Jesus warns His disciples,

“If the Master has been slandered, you can be sure those who follow in His footsteps will receive the same treatment.” If they crucified Jesus don’t think they’re going to coronate you… Don’t expect a bed of roses. Did you know, “The life expectancy of the average American male is 72 years-old – whereas the life expectancy of a former NFL lineman is 54 years old…” Life in the trenches takes its toll. The constant pounding makes for early exits.

 Likewise, many saints through the centuries have spent lifetimes of suffering and persecution for the sake of Jesus – and have died premature deaths. In light of the sacrifice of Jesus, and the apostles, and the saints through the ages, we should be ashamed when a little persecution comes your way – and we whine and sniffle. It’s time we grew up. Persecution is part of the Christian life.

 “Therefore do not fear them.” It’s been said, “The man who fears God has no other fears. The man who refuses to fear God is frightened by everything.”  “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” When persecution occurs – and you’re falsely accused – and insulted and slandered – don’t start squawking, “It’s unfair. It’s unfair.” Of course it’s unfair. All persecution is unfair. The cross of Jesus was certainly unfair.

 But in the end all that’s hidden will be known. Your reputation will be vindicated, evil will be exposed, truth will be told – in the meantime be patient and courageous.  Remember that persecution brings opportunity!