RPG Adults
THE ONES PERSECUTED
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Acts 9:3-5
Luke 18:7-8
“And shall not God avenge his own elect,
which cry day and night unto him…”
THE ONES PERSECUTED
It is difficult to imagine a time of suffering when we have to flee for our lives. While the disciples fled, there must have been blessed moments of preaching the Word as they passed from village to village, but these did not erase the anxieties and uncertainties of their plight. It was as if they felt the pain their Lord Himself went through.
The Lord Himself: The pain was not bearable. The Lord felt the strife and pressure of the persecution (Heb 4:15). Jesus pointed out twice that He was the One whom Saul was persecuting.
The persecutor himself: While Saul was doing harm to the believers, he did not realise he was at the losing end. The Lord described it as Saul having a hard time, a rough and unpleasant experience. Saul was kicking against the pricks. “This is a proverbial sentence, taken from oxen or horses, which, when they are pricked with goads, do themselves no good by kicking, save only that they double the evil by causing the prick to go farther into their skins” (Calvin). It was a double jeopardy for Saul!
This should comfort us in times of persecution or hardship in our own life due to our faith. We know we are not alone in bearing the pain and burdens. The Lord, who is our loving Shepherd, is always there to carry us on His shoulders. When we are struggling with the trials and testing in life, do not forget our Lord and Saviour. He suffered too, and so He can feel for us. On the other end, those who oppose us are so blinded, not knowing that their evil pursuits will bring a double evil upon themselves.
How are you coping with the storms and tempests in your life? Are you rebelling and questioning God’s dealing with you? Do you not see the Lord together with you in the vessel? Let the lyrics of this children’s song ring in your ears: “With Christ in my vessel I can smile at the storm!” Let the Lord Jesus comfort you. Fret not against those who do evil against you. You will soon be comforted.
THOUGHT: Am I encouraged by the promises of God?
PRAYER: Father, great is Thy faithfulness, every day of my life.