“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” 

It was the job of the first Century church to go into all the world and preach the gospel in spite of persecution and hardship. Before the armies of Titus entered Jerusalem the gospel had been published through the various parts and provinces of the inhabited world. It was certainly a wonderful fact that within 50 years after the death of Christ, Christian churches had been planted in almost every district of the earth as then know to the Romans.  Many unfortunately have grown cold, apathetic and dead through the years.

One of the signs of the times before Christ coming is discrimination.  Jesus said, "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." When is the end? I don't know. He calls us to stand firm and Romans 8 says nothing will be able to keep us from His love.

When I ministered in India, John Bushy prepared the itinerary for us. He reminded us that to become a believer there can  come at a great cost. Often people are cut off by their family and relatives.  Families there are very close here.  Often, they are shunned in the workplace. Treated as the lowest of the low.  The government removes any help they could get with college fees, and it is harder to get into a college.  I had the privilege of talking personally with some of these saints who paid the costs with jail time, loss of job and family.

They are supposed to register the change of faith with the government so these rules can be enforced along with an interrogation as to how someone changed their religion. When someone is baptized the person is asked about their faith in Jesus as their personal savior. Next they are asked if they will follow no matter what.  Baptism there is considered the point of no return. No turning back. 

Yet in spite of all the persecution many Muslims and Hindus are hungry for the Bible and many are turning to Jesus Christ through the positive and loving witness of Christians. These verses are also for followers of Jesus today.

Pray for those in hostile areas. Pray for courage and opportunities to share Jesus in your world. People need Jesus.

Application:  Be bold for your Faith!! 

Prayer:  As I read this and learn of what others go through for their faiths, may You use this knowledge to strengthen me with a boldness to share Your Saving Grace with all I meet.