The Persecution of Jesus Disciples

The underlying message in today’s reading is ‘𝘿𝙤 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙧’ and further on ‘𝘿𝙤 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮’, even in the midst of death. Here Jesus aims to calm and reassure his Disciples. Today we also need to hear these words in the storms of our own lives.

We may not have been dragged before governors or kings, but there will be family & social occasions when we feel like sheep among wolves and figuratively flogged for our faith. At such times, we will need courage – not just to know how to react in words, but to actually go through the ordeal. However, Jesus assures us that His Spirit – who lives on within us, will be our constant companion, strengthen us.

Following Jesus is not easy. However, we should remember that He is always with us. I remember reading about C S Lewis once advising a friend: ‘Continue seeking God with seriousness. Unless he wanted you, you would not be wanting him.’

Christian joy is that strange thing, it is not an emotion, but a deep peace which remains even in the midst of great opposition and difficulties. It will always be part of our close walk with Jesus.