Greetings in the Name of Him Who Was, Who Is, and Who Is to come,
Acts 9:3-4 “And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
This is the account of Saul’s conversion to Christianity. He was as we all know the persecutor of the Church that was existent during his day. Many men and women were captured and turned over to the authorities at his hand. He saw to it that anyone who was found in the “Way” was taken out of the way.
We really don’t know the meaning of persecution here in America. For the most part, our idea of persecution is someone calling us names or maybe even excluding us from activities because of our belief. We really have no idea of persecution.
We must remember, although we not a part of the early church that was persecuted for their belief, we are a part of the living church today. We have brothers and sisters all over the world that are being martyred for their belief. This is not being made evident. As we watch the evening news, typically we do not hear of those being crucified for the sake of the Gospel.
In this passage we learn that Yeshuah (Jesus) told Saul that he was persecuting Him. We look at it backwards. We think they are persecuting us when in reality they are persecuting the Christ on the inside of us. They are persecuting the life of Christ that is on the inside of you and I.
Many fall by the wayside when persecution comes. There is a very definite line of demarcation drawn when persecution comes. Will we stand? or will we fall? What is the basis of our salvation? All of these questions come to mind when we are hit with what we call “persecution”.
As we are moved by the Holy Spirit to witness to someone, we must never be surprised when the world comes against us. We must always be aware of this fact. They’re are being led by their own flesh rather than the Spirit of the living God. These two are diametrically opposed and always will be. They are just as in the days of Saul and the time of Christ persecuting Him.
My Prayer and Declaration;
“Father, we are Your sons and daughters. We will share the Gospel of Your Son Jesus (Yeshuah) the Christ. He is our hope and salvation and we will declare this to the world we live in.” In Your precious Name……AMEN!!!
Grace and Peace be yours today,
Dr C. D. Randolph
