Friday, March 16, 2018
Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, Psalm 34:17-21, 23, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031618.cfm
THE CERTAINTY OF PERSECUTION
"Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him." -Wisdom 2:20
If we want to live a godly life, we will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We don't know the severity of this persecution, but we do know the certainty of it.
Although many non-Christians pride themselves on being tolerant, they will probably not tolerate Christians, for we are obnoxious to them (Wis 2:12). They think we are setting ourselves against their doings, reproaching them "for transgressions of the law," charging them with violations of their training, and censuring their thoughts (Wis 2:12, 14). Merely to see us is a hardship for many non-Christians (Wis 2:14) because our lives are different (Wis 2:15). An automatic tension exists between Christians and non-Christians.
Eventually something has to give; something has to snap. Non-Christians either give their lives to Jesus and become Christians, or they revile, torture, and condemn Christians (Wis 2:19-20). Non-Christians either become other Christs or anti-christs. They take up Jesus' cross (Lk 9:23), or they crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt by attacking His disciples (see Heb 6:6).
May your life in Christ be so authentic that you are worthy of being persecuted (see Acts 5:41).
Prayer: Father, in life may I lead many people to You. In death, may I lead many more people to You.
Promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves." -Ps 34:19
Praise: John gave his life to the Lord at the funeral of his Christian friend.
(For a related teaching on "Developing a Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus", order, listen to, or download our CD 52-1 or DVD 52-CH. 1 at presentationministries.com or order our tape on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2017
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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