REJECTED, BUT NOT AFFECTED!
“Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop crying, for she is not dead but asleep.” THEY STARTED LAUGHING AT HIM, because they knew she was dead. So He took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up! ” Her spirit returned, and she got up at once…”
Luke 8:52-55
If you are not frequently mocked, laughed-at and made the butt-end of a very bad joke, you just might not be a true Christian. Being persecuted is a glorious promise to every genuine believer. Wear the badge proudly! Persecution authenticates the Jesus nature inside every Believer’s heart. History proves most Christians didn’t even have the right to exist, much less have religious and equal rights. We all need to see vividly what we are committed too. Our faith must be tested through the cruel scrutiny of this world’s ideologies. When the worst thing happens, the best of Jesus Christ should come out of us.
This beautiful, innocent, precious, little girl was able to live a full life because Jesus was never swayed, offended or derailed by His opposition.
Oh by the way, the Christian who uses this verse to say we always “get the last laugh”, ”I told you so”, or gets mad when their beliefs are challenged, needs a real change of heart. Don’t forget where you came from.
Remember, those most respected in the world, will reject you the most to inadvertently stop you from helping nurture those who are being neglected and rejected.
Keep up the good work guys and gals. Persevere through persecution. We are no longer suffering for doing wrong things, we now have the honor in suffering to do righteous things.
-Pastor Butch