“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” (John 15:18–21, NIV 1984).
My Musings – If they “treat [us] this way because of [His name],” we should not be surprised. We were warned. “In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills [us] will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.” (John 16:2–3, NIV 1984). This has been the fate of many down through the ages. It is something we have largely been spared from in the modern western world. But “[the] time is coming.” In light of this, how should be respond?
Not fear – Although that would be a natural response. But we are told to “not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:27–28, NIV 1984). For we have been supernaturally redeemed, and our souls are firmly in His grasp.
Not shame – How can we possibly be ashamed “because of [his] name?” Rather, “do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16, NIV 1984). A Name above all names. Bear it proudly, but not arrogantly. Giving God the glory.
Not surprise – As noted, we were warned. It is not unexpected. So, “do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12, NIV 1984). In a world so influenced by the evil one it is not strange at all.
But rejoice – The supernatural response in the face of pain, trials and suffering. “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13, NIV 1984). And we will be able to respond this way only because of the Spirit who lives in us.
My Advice – “In God, whose word [we] praise, in God [we] trust; [we] will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to [us]?” (Psalm 56:4, NIV 1984). If and when these things happen, the world may see us as the conquered.
What then should “we say in response to this? We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31, 37–39, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 