Topic: Fulfilling God’s Purpose – Persecution [Sunday 29, January 2017]
“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time … with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. ” (Mark 10:29-30)
Persecution and everlasting life are a set of twins born the same day. King Herod married his brother’s wife and John the Baptist was incensed with him. Because John the Baptist had everlasting life inside of him, he could not tolerate the king’s immorality. Therefore, he confronted the king. Consequently, he was beheaded. If you do not want persecution, don’t desire everlasting life, and have nothing to do with God and heaven.
In your office, if you refuse to share from the proceeds of bribery, you will be persecuted. In fact, they could fabricate lies to implicate you. That is Nigeria for you! If you refuse to serve your family or village juju (idol), you will be persecuted. If you want to marry and you refuse to give your would-be-in-laws alcohol on the ground of your Christian faith, you will be persecuted.
Did you know that some Christians are facing persecution in their villages because they refused to serve idols? The idols they have served for centuries have not brought them any progress, yet they wouldn’t renounce idol worship. It’s crazy and senseless. Even now in the twentieth century, they wouldn’t let the good-for-nothing idols go. May God deliver our people.
God didn’t say you wouldn’t face persecution, but you have His Word. You are coming out of persecution today. Those persecuting you in your office, business place, or school are going down for your sake. Disgrace will meet and overtake them, in Jesus’ name.
WORDS OF WISDOM: If you do not want persecution, do not desire everlasting life.
PRAYER/CONFESSION: As many that have ganged up to persecute me, LORD, scatter them by fire, in Jesus name.
FURTHER READING: Matt 25:46
Eagles Devotional is a daily revelatory and inspirational Publication by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the founder and presiding Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Nigeria.
