Thought for the Week

The last two weeks in November have been named (I don't know by whom) "Weeks of Prayer for the Persecuted." Persecution can take many forms: from being spoken to or about in cruel, mean, or unkind ways to being kidnapped, raped or murdered. We may say, "Sticks and stones, can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." It's just not true. Words do hurt, a lot, often for a long time, with serious consequences. Often we presume persecution is focused against Christians. That is true but often other minorities, ethnic groups, nationalities, or races, catch the brunt of persecution as well. I believe we are to pray for anyone who endures persecution. We can pray alone or in groups, but the call is to pray. Of course, there may be other ways we can work against persecution. Schools may institute a "No Bullying" policy and that is a way to work against persecution. Parents can and need to teach and set examples against persecution. Children learn a lot by observing as well as being taught with words. Parents can read Bible stories and Children's books and through them teach why persecution is wrong. Children can early on be the butt of persecution or may observe it and come alongside the one being persecuted to provide support. I have a publication entitled, "Martyr's Mirror." In it stories are told about modern day people who are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Some of these are true horror stories. Stories told of truck-loads of men with automatic weapons or other means of killing and torturing, coming into a village or to a school and murdering many raping and kidnapping others. Also some of these stories tell of women and children being sold into slavery, sex-slavery, or into forced marriages that compel them to renounce their faith and accept a different faith. There are nations in our world today where such things happen frequently. In many cases the government is either slow to take actions against or even supports the perpetrators. I will confess, I would wish everyone to become a Christian. But Christ Himself never taught that He and His will could be forced upon people. Most certainly He gave clear teaching and demonstration why faith in Him is the very best thing people can do. He also made it clear the only way for people to be saved and go to Heaven for eternity is through Him. But the choice to do so or not is left to the individual. There have been times in my life and ministry I wanted to compel people to confess their sin and sinning and receive Jesus as Savior, but it just would not work. I remember a saying: "A man convinced against his will is a man unconvinced still." So, as much as I would like to see Muslims, Hindus, Atheists, Fascists, Communists, and a whole array of people with other beliefs or un-beliefs, turn to Jesus Christ and accept God's Plan of Salvation, I know they must be allowed to make the choice for themselves. Jesus, in His time on earth, pled with and prayed for men to come to Him. Will you agree with me to pray for the persecuted during the remainder of November, please? I believe we can make our world a better place if we do so. I think it will honor Christ if His people pray for those who struggle under the challenges of persecution. If you are struggling, I believe you will be glad for the rest of us to pay for you. If you are a persecutor, please stop and encourage others to stop as well. The sooner the better.

Scriptures to Read

St. Luke 21:12-16

St. John 15:20-21

St. John 16:2-3

II Corinthians 4:8-9

I Peter 4:12-16

St. Matthew 5:10-12

Acts 7:54-60