John 15:18-23
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also.
The “world” cannot discern spiritual things. Without the Holy Spirit they are blind to the things of God. Indeed the spirit of antichrist is working in the world in direct opposition to the things of God. Politics, culture, all celebrating ungodliness while standing in opposition to godliness. Why are Christians persecuted, harassed, and even killed? Because the world hates God and rejects His Son. As you and I stand for godly principles in the public square, or even as we live godly lives (to the degree that we do or can) we stand in opposition to the spirit of antichrist at work in the world. I have some very specific examples of this in some of my earlier podcasts at jesusiscomingsoon.org. The push for a world government by globalist elites. The worship of LGBTQ+ by the previous administration and in other parts of the world. The declaration by some politicians that Christians must be marginalized, or worse. They are fighting against God. Ultimately they will lose, but whatever opposition we face in the meantime we must decide, who are we going to follow? After the world, or after God?
The disciples rejoiced when they were persecuted for Jesus’ sake! Excited that they were worthy to suffer in His suffering. What an example for us! No, it’s not fun. The disciples were martyred except John who survived being boiled in oil and was then exiled to Patmos where God gave Him the vision that is the Book of Revelation. That is the Revelation of Jesus Christ! Jesus is Coming Soon. What a wonderful day that will be for those in Christ! What a terrifying day for those who are not. We pray for our family and friends that they would accept Jesus and live forever in God’s presence. In the end there is nothing else. One of my favorite verses in the whole Bible is Ephesians 2:10…
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
And walk in them you should. Even in the face of opposition. Follow God’s plan for your life! There is no greater reward.