December 3rd~Targets for Trouble

Acts 21:37-23:35

We witnessed the hostile environment that Paul faced while in Jerusalem. He was warned several times by friends and prophets not to go there. Their concerns were justified and their predictions were true. The Temple crowd beat him and abused him, the Roman guards arrested him and nearly flogged him, the Sadducees and Pharisees argued over him and almost tore him limb from limb, and, finally, forty Jewish zealots vowed to kill him.

What was it about Jerusalem that it harbored such hatred for Christ, for His followers, for Paul, and for the Gospel? These were God’s chosen people who disdained His representatives and despised the only way of salvation. The answer could only be that the enemy, Satan himself, had managed to gain control of these people and, therefore, expel anything that was contrary to his goals.

Jerusalem is a microcosm of the world at large.

Satan, the “god of this world” has a great deal of influence on the views and ideals of the majority of people living here. The world system that he has developed represents his lies and goals. Anything, then, that does not align itself with his evil plans is utterly despised, discredited, and destroyed. Therefore, as God’s representatives on earth, Christians are a primary target for persecution. We should not be surprised by the anger, animosity, or abuse that we receive from the people of this world.

Persecution is not a sign that we are doing something wrong. It is a sign that we are doing something right. The enemy is trying to scare us and silence us. Paul wrote later to Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus told us to expect persecution. Since they hated Him, they will hate us; and, since they persecuted Him, they will persecute us (John 15:18, 19). If we condoned the views and ideals of the world, the people of this world would welcome us; but, since we are not of this world and do not embrace this world system, the world hates us.

Daily Reflection

Have you ever faced persecution for believing or speaking up for the Gospel of Christ? What have you learned from this experience?

Jesus said that those who are persecuted for His name sake will be blessed (Luke 6:22). As much as we dislike it and as strange as it sounds, we must recognize that there is value in persecution. How could we possibly benefit from being persecuted?

Paul rejoiced when he “shared in the suffering of Christ” (Philippians 1:7). Why?

BiAY.org | Day 337 — 28 Days to Go