Receiving Christ’s Wounds

 

When someone said to me, “How dare you claim to be a child of God” their rejection of my claim echoed those who crucified Jesus because He dared to claim Himself the Son of God, God in human flesh. At the time, I didn’t recognize that the rejection I received was really aimed at Jesus.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (Matthew 5:10–11)

Today’s devotional points to Italian reformer Savonarola (1452–1498) who was called “the Burning Beacon of the Reformation.” He preached against the sin and corruption in the church of his day and many who heard him were dazed, bewildered, and speechless. Sobs of repentance often were heard as the Holy Spirit moved in their hearts. However, some refused to even tolerate the truth. Eventually, they had him executed.

God didn’t call me to be a preacher. However, I am to be “salt and light” in a thirsty and dark world. Some people will declare themselves on a salt-free diet and love the darkness. Jesus said, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:20) Does this mean they will not tolerate the truth they see and hear from me? It’s possible. Jesus also said:

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 also keep yours. (John 15:20)

Sin makes people intolerant toward righteousness. It exposes them. When Jesus lived among us, no one had ever seen a perfect man. As they saw His works and heard His words, they realized the contrast between His perfections and their lives. Sin pressed them to find fault, to mistreat and mock, and finally crucify the One they could not measure up to, the God-man sent from heaven to save them from the sin that drove them to kill Him. As the psalmist said:

But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good. (Psalm 38:19–20)

These and other passages prophesy that people would hate Christ without just cause and Jesus says that will happen to those who follow Him. They may not hate us personally, but they resent and resist all that we believe. Christ isn’t here for them to lash out at, so His people become targets — and for some, like Savonarola and thousands more, this means death. MacArthur says for me it could mean social alienation or other forms of persecution, yet the way the world is going, death is not out of the possibilities.

Whatever happens, the NT gives assurance. One verse says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) Another adds, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13)

Jesus, I cannot write this without thinking of the word some. Jesus endured rejection from everyone yet after His resurrection, some believed, then many believed, even some of the Pharisees that had been against Him. I am not perfect, not an object of pure hatred. To me, that means I can suffer for Christ’s sake, but not all will reject me because they reject Him. Some will be saved. Some will hear about Jesus and say yes to faith and repentance. If I focus on persecution, I will be tempted to be silent. If I focus on possibilities of acceptance and salvation, then I will share with others in whatever way You prompt me and in the opportunities that You give. Knowing I will suffer for Jesus could give me a martyr complex. Knowing others might believe keeps me focused on Your mighty power, grace and love that transforms lives.

READ Acts 9:1-31 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and remember the power of Christ to change lives. Rejoice that He is the same today and a word from Him (who created the universe with words) is still in the business of rescuing sinners and changing them from hating Him and His people to those who love Him and His people.