God’s Mission
Luke 12:18-20
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
~ Jesus
The church grows in times of persecution. From The Acts of the Apostles to the Disciples of today, God is using persecution to advance His mission. Or better said, He is taking advantage of such persecution to advance His mission. Much of Jesus’ teaching and ministry, even His death at the hands of persecutors, was used by God to forward His Mission.
Stephen, the first new testament martyr (Acts 7), prayed for his persecutors, one of whom was Saul – this week’s Scripture Story. That prayed-for-persecutor Saul became the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest witnesses for Jesus – and himself persecuted as much as anyone. Saul once persecuted the name of Jesus, then later obeyed. He is not alone. Thousands of others have done the same, so keep praying for those who persecute you or others Christians. God is working not just in the persecuted, but also in and on the persecutor.
Prayer
Lord God, You tell us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Help me to be one who prays for those who persecute Your followers, whether that’s me or my brothers and sisters in the faith around the world. Turn the hearts of these persecutors as You once turned that of the Apostle Paul. And like the martyr Stephen, keep my heart willing to suffer for Your name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:121-128 (Samekh, 16th letter)
- I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors. - Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me. - My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise. - Deal with your servant
according to your love
and teach me your decrees. - I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes. - It is time for you to act, LORD;
your law is being broken. - Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold, - and because I consider all your precepts
right, I hate every wrong path.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take
up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Romans 8:28
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
It’s not likely that the writer, in saying "I have done what is righteous", means without fault. The intent is a general assertion of living God’s way versus his own.