01/14/2022
There are always those who will strike out at us, or seek to undermine us in some way, but our God stands with us, confusing them in their efforts, and ultimately revealing to them the shame in what they do. Whether their actions are driven by jealousy, a desire for power, or some other form of sinful temptation, there will be those who will look down upon us, and speak ill of our righteousness. Likewise there will always be those who will ridicule the Lord God whom we serve. Out of frustration in their lives comes evil, and their shame will find them in it. So we pray for God’s help as we bear our pain, and we pray for the souls of those, our enemies, who persecute us, and bear such terrible shame.
“Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!”
Psalm 70:2 ESV
What good comes from seeking an eye for an eye, or in wanting damnation to rain down on souls that are lost and shrouded in shame? Why would we want retribution instead of forgiveness, or damnation instead of salvation for souls who are clothed in shame, and yet believe their garments to be fine linen? No, we should pray for their eyes to be opened to God’s Word, and their hearts to be mercifully cleansed by the blood of Christ.
“Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!””
Psalm 70:3 ESV
God’s glory is revealed in His mercy and grace, and His love was made known to all of creation when He sent Jesus to redeem us. His desire is that none of us be lost, and it is revealed to us in the voice of that same Son, Jesus Christ, when He said…
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Matthew 5:44-45 ESV
We might find relief from our present suffering by praying for the defeat of those who come against us, but God is glorified, not so much by the putting down of our enemies, but in the deliverance of every soul that is returned to Him, and is saved.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 ESV
So, are our enemies any more lost than we were on the day before we first believed? We might argue that beforehand we were moral men, but moral men still fall short of salvation, and eternity, because all who are yet to believe remain lost, and will inevitably be condemned.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16 ESV
Yes, we will be hated, despised, harmed, made to suffer, and sometimes killed, all because of our faith, and the righteousness that others see in us, but those who do these things to us will one day be shown the truth in their actions, and come to know the shame they bear. This should be our prayer, that our suffering would one day save their soul. Our suffering at their hands might be the catalyst that opens their eyes to their shame, and who they are, causing them to believe, leading them to salvation, and showering God in the glory of their redemption. Oh, that by our agony, a single soul might be saved!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, and for every lash He took so that we might be saved. Thank you for the suffering we endure in our lives at the hands of those who despise us for who we are as believers in Christ, and you. We pray Holy Father that one day you will open their eyes to these acts of shame, and in that instant of revelation they will believe, and fall to their knees, pleading for your forgiveness. We pray that this glorifies you, and that all of Heaven will celebrate, singing in joy, at the recovery of one more lost soul. Smile on us at that moment Lord, and voice your pleasure in our steadfast faith, and the suffering we endured. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who wishes that none should perish, but that all would have eternal life. Praised be your name, for every soul returned to your fold, and for each stripe that we took along the way. Merciful are you our great God who sent us your Son as a shepherd to gather us, finding the lost, and healing our wounds. Your grace is indeed sufficient for us, and your love the fullness of hope we find in Jesus. Father, cleanse us in the blood of Christ, drawn with every lash He endured, every thorn that cut Him, and each nail that pieced Him. Let his suffering be our encouragement in the midst of life’s tribulation, His resurrection be our hope when facing death, and His ascension be our eternal longing, and reward. Judge us to be long suffering, obedient to you, our faith in Jesus to be true, and that in judgement we are deemed worthy to remain in your presence forevermore… praising and worshipping you for all of eternity.
““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 ESV
Rich Forbes