PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

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Fix Your Eyes On Jesus

"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the founder and completer of our faith,who instead of the joy lying before Him; [that is, the joy of heaven] endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne." ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

The letter to the Hebrews was written to first-century Jewish background believers who were being severely persecuted. Some were even considering giving up their faith in Jesus. The unknown author pens what many Bible scholars feel was originally a sermon about the superiority of Jesus over anyone and everything else.

He slowly builds his case to culminate in the great faith chapter. In this chapter, he also points out that some great men and women of faith lived to see the fruit of their faith while many others — also men and women of faith — died because of persecution. Now in chapter twelve, the author makes what I think is his critical statement or main point of the letter.

How do we walk by faith? We walk by faith by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus! Not fixed on our problems or difficult environment of opposition. Jesus was the pioneer and perfecter of faith. He endured opposition to the point of crucifixion. So we follow His example and we will also patiently endure because of the joy we know that is yet to come.

In a communist country, a Christian girl named Viorica was beaten harshly in school because she had invited her schoolmates to church. She fainted during the beating, and an ambulance had to take her to hospital. Two days passed before she regained consciousness. When she did, the doctor at her bedside said, "You poor girl, at last you've opened your eyes. All this time I've been thinking of the cruelty of the director who beat you like this. My heart has been bitter with hatred. I wish I could take revenge on him."

Viorica smiled. "There is no need to hate him," she replied. "Jesus taught us to love everyone. Just before I opened my eyes, I saw Him and talked to Him. He asked me whether it still hurts. And He told me that in heaven I will receive a very beautiful crown, which is reserved only for those who have suffered for Him. He told me to pray for those who mistreated me, and to love them, because our influence will help them to give their lives to God and so become His children."

From the mouths of children! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!

Response:

Today I will take my eyes off my surroundings, my problems, my fears and my suffering. I will keep them fixed on Jesus my Lord.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me keep my focus on You and in so doing bring glory and honor to You.


~ Standing Strong Through The Storm: A daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks © 2017 Open Doors International.

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