Wednesday, 23rd  August 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE GEM IN PERSECUTION

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it comes to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.” – Exodus 1:10 

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why does God allow cruelty and the persecution of His people?

It is incomprehensible how humans can be cruel, whether through racism, wars, ethnic cleansing, murders, etc. In our theme scripture, an Egyptian king arose who didn’t know Joseph (Exo 1:8) and the folly of his heart was evident. He said, ‘Let us deal wisely with them [Israelites] lest they multiply, and it comes to pass that when there is any war, they join also unto our enemies and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land’ (Gen 1:10).

The folly of Pharaoh's thinking was fearing that the Israelites, allowed to grow, would become strong and independent.

Or perhaps these Israelites will join their attackers if Egypt is invaded. Based on these assumptions, he set out to weaken the Israelites through bondage. This was a big mistake. When pressed, man's innate desire for freedom comes out, beloved. Israel multiplied during the years of ease, but their bondage brought restlessness and a desire for a new beginning.

Comfort can trap you, and keep you in the same place for years. Hence, God allows discomfort so we can dream anew and keep moving forward.

The disciples of Jesus became too comfortable with the gospel in Jerusalem. But the Master wanted them to spread the gospel worldwide. During persecution (Acts 8:3), the disciples preached the gospel wherever they fled (Acts 8:4) and the gospel spread faster. Again, in Ephesus’ synagogues, Paul's message was resisted (Acts 19:9), yet ‘...so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed’ (Acts 19:20).

Persecuting Christians in the last days will be the world’s folly but the gem of the Church. We will become stronger by it. The slumbering Christian will wake up to diligence. The backslidden believer may turn to repentance, and the marching soldier of Christ will be emboldened like never before. 

Precious one, a little discomfort through persecution is necessary for you to remain alert and press on. No true Christian is above persecution. 

But be of good cheer; Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Is the devil up and against you? Rise up and wield the word. Are you being persecuted in the workplace because you always want the right thing to be done? Remain firm and encourage yourself in the Lord. Always know this: The more they persecute us, the more our faith in Christ is crystallised.  The more our focus will be fixed on Jesus, in prayer and in our expectation of His second coming. Hallelujah!

 

FURTHER READING – Exodus 1

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Have you been persecuted or being persecuted, and how are you handling it?

 

PRAYER

Precious Jesus, thank you because you have overcome the world. Today, I pray for all those being persecuted anywhere in the nations of the world because of the gospel. I receive your strength and grace for them to carry on, in the face of opposition, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Kings 18; Jeremiah 44; 1 Corinthians 3