The Joy of Persecution

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

What a great way to end a chapter that started out with blessings, turned into persecution, but ended with blessings. Quite honestly, if we are living for Jesus, this is the pattern of a life of service to the Lord. There will be moments of blessings, when we intentionally seek out opportunities to serve God. Those opportunities to share Christ, proclaim His Name, and live in accordance to His Word, will not only bring personal blessings, but also open the door to persecution and challenges from the enemy. However, if we prayerfully serve the Lord, keeping His heavenly promises at the forefront of our minds, the greatest blessing will be the joy we will have, as the Lord fills us with His Spirit; enabling us to endure and rejoice in midst of persecution. Barnabas and Paul were separated unto the service of the Lord. They boldly proclaimed Jesus, and the Lord moved in great ways among the Gentiles, bringing the Jews to jealousy, and sparking intense persecution. Amazingly, in spite of such great challenges, the end result was people coming to know Jesus, and Barnabas and Paul being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Today, as we serve the Lord, we need to hold on to the promise Jesus made about the heavenly reward He has for those who suffer for His sake. In case we have forgotten those words He spoke in Matthew 5:11-12, they were, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Do not let the persecution from God's enemies discourage us from going out to serve the Lord, do good to others, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15); for great will be our reward when we finally stand/bow before Him.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).