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Devotional
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WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?
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Location: Blogs Higher Everyday Devotional |
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| Posted by: highereveryday |
Saturday, March 13, 2010 |
WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?
“And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.” (Matthew 14:11).
The verse above contains the sad story of the death of John the Baptist. He was the prophet that God raised up to announce the coming of Jesus. He faithfully carried out his assignment until he was arrested by Herod. Then the sad end came when Herod cut of his head to honour the ridiculous promise he made to Salome. And just like that, the head of John the Baptist, a true prophet, was cut off and put in a plate for the blood thirsty mother of Salome. Why did God allow John to die and in such a painful manner?
God allowed John to die because his ministry had come to an end. And as far as God is concerned, how one died is not as important as why one died. Hebrews 11 gave us a catalogue of many saints who died cruelly for their faith. They all made heaven and that is what is important. God also allowed John to die to encourage some of us who are going through times of trials and difficulties to endure for only those who endure to the end shall be saved. God will not always answer our prayers the way we want Him to, otherwise we will only turn Him into our errand boy. Lastly, God allowed John to die such a painful death to bring to our attention, the teaching of our Lord Jesus that we should not fear anybody just because they can kill. Any criminal with a weapon can do that. This is what Jesus said: “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” (Luke 12:4). Think about it, what could Herodias do with the head of John now? Nothing. But in the meantime, John is in heaven rejoicing with the saints in glory. Do not allow the thought that Christians suffer to bother you. Dead or alive, God will take care of you.
Challenge: Have patience and endure; this unhappiness will one day be beneficial. - Ovid
Prayer: Lord give me grace to follow you faithfully all the days of my life.
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