DCLM Daily Manna Friday 28 April 2023
TOPIC: Contending With Persecution
TEXT: Jeremiah 20:7-18 (KJV)
KEY VERSE:
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
(Jeremiah 20:9)
DCLM Daily Manna Friday 28 April 2023 MESSAGE
Billy Graham, the late evangelist of repute, once said, “Persecution is one of the natural consequences of living the Christian life. It is to the Christian what ‘growing pains’ are to the growing child. No pain, no development. No suffering, no glory. No struggle, no victory. No persecution, no reward”.
Jeremiah recounted his feeling of disappointment and depression following the opposition and persecution he had received for declaring the word of the Lord. Instead of obeying and responding to the prophecies he gave, he had been mocked, derided and even imprisoned. The worst was the opposition he received from a supposed priest, Pashur, who got him smitten and thrown into the dungeon.
He, therefore, resolved that he would no longer make mention of the word of the Lord any longer. But despite his resolve, he could not resist the heavy convictions and burdens the Lord was bringing upon him. He also got the reassurance of God’s presence and support to carry on with his assignment.
Persecutions should not come to the believer as a rude shock. It is understandable that it can be discouraging to face opposition especially when one is standing for the truth and declaring the word of God unwaveringly. But that is how it has always been. In our society today, evil doers have priests who are in their payroll. They are ever ready to fight any genuine preacher who exposes the iniquities of their paymasters. Believers should not allow such attitudes and oppositions to scare them and run them out of town.
No matter the opposition and persecution coming from enemy camps, the Lord has assured us of His abiding presence and continual support. Do not be forced into keeping shut and refusing to preach the Word. Do not even be forced to water down the truth and preach convenient gospel. Preach the Word always. The Lord is always there to support you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is sheer folly and an act of cowardice to be silenced by opposers of the gospel.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 8-10
