Text: Matt 14:2-11
Persecution of the righteous is as old as the scriptures. Righteousness attracts persecution. John the Baptist went through persecutions, but before his life was taken by Herod, he had fulfilled his mission on earth (Matt 3:5-12). It is not possible that persecution will quench the light, so, do not allow the light in you be quenched. Although John, the Baptist, was killed, the light of God’s word was not quenched with him. The voice of the righteous will never be silenced (John 3:27-31). Whosoever that fights righteousness is fighting God because He is the righteousness Himself.
It is not all request you must grant to avoid working against righteousness like Herod who granted the request of his daughter because he was under an oath and also wanted to please the people that sat with him at meat (Matt 14:9). Do not allow personal ego to attract God’s anger on you and also do not shed the blood of another man not to talk of the blood of John, the Baptist, and Abel because you will never escape the judgment. We should be very careful what we do with our influence, remember you have children that will suffer for persecuting the righteous.
When you endure persecution as a righteous man, there are benefits that will follow. Persecution does not have the power to kill, but it will empower and rebuild you (Heb 11:33-40). Herod was not able to stop John, the Baptist, but he stopped himself.
Without persecution, the level of fellowship and worship that was established will not be possible on earth (Dan 2:12-28). Persecutors can kill the flesh, but they cannot kill the spirit, which is why we should not fear them, but God (Lk12:5). A coward cannot make it to the Beulah land, but the brave (2Tim 1:7). When the persecutors of this world confronts you, look into their eyes and tell them that they cannot do you anything for God is able to protect and save you. Courage, faithfulness is gone because of cowardice of the believers. We should come out from where you are hiding because of persecutors. See what is happening in the world today, occultism, witchcraft in the church and we are keeping quiet because of fear of the persecutors. Today, men are full of arguments, religion and denomination, but Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (4:7-8,19,31).
The first thing devil does to a warrior is to introduce the agency of intimidation and once you succumb to it, you will lose eternity. In the journey to the Beulah land, persecution is inevitable, but how you navigate through them determines if you will make it or not. Be strong and, courageous; do not be afraid nor dismay, as God instructed Joshua (Josh 1:9). Know whom you believe, stand by Him and live in him. The main reason for persecution, is to stop the mighty works of God in your life. We need men that will stand for righteousness no matter who is confronting them. Bind yourself with righteousness refuse anything that would separate you from it.
• Today’s Nugget: Healing is for all Prayer: By faith, I receive my healing. Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: [email protected]. Dr. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria.
