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The cost of following Jesus
People will persecute you when you follow the teachings of Jesus! Jesus is very clear on this subject. He says, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20 NKJV
Martin Luther King, Jr
In January this year, we will celebrate the life of a Baptist preacher, Martin Luther King, who decided to follow Jesus dynamically. He took a non-violent approach to bring about social change.
We all know his story and how it cost him his life. Many Christians of all races joined with him as he spoke out against injustice in our society. What some did not understand was that he was preaching fundamental Christian doctrine.
He was following Jesus by taking a stand for what is right. He was proclaiming the same message as Jesus about loving one another.
Following Jesus was why on April 4, 1968, King was shot and killed by a sniper’s bullet. His vision was for a time when we could all gather in peace and love. Regardless of race, color, or ethnic background. Today’s riots are the opposite of what he preached.
Church history
Persecution of the church started from the day Christ rose from the dead, and it will never stop. The only reason the church (Christians) are not persecuted is that we are not standing for the same things Jesus did.
This world cannot stand righteousness because it condemns the evil that people want to do. We live in a land where we murder millions of babies and call it ‘ women’s rights’ instead of calling it sin. I only use this example because everyone is familiar with it.
Lying is now also considered acceptable in many circles. A handshake was just as binding as a legal contract in the past. People did not lock their doors at home, and churches were always open.
We see these changes due to a falling away from what God’s word teaches. People want to hear how God loves them but feel no responsibility to obey His commands. As a result, preachers are afraid to preach about sin because it might cause the lost to leave the church.
Persecuted for righteousness
The righteous will take a stand against sin. However, those who genuinely love and respect Jesus will find themselves in constant conflict with others inside and outside the church.
The church is sick. Like Israel, the church has become a religious institution but fails to take action for Christ. If the church actively stood for brotherly love, King would never have needed to lead a movement to bring acceptance to all people.
I want to encourage each of you to take a stand for Christ. In Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, he said, “ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 NKJV
The kingdom of heaven is an enormous reward for living a righteous life even during these trying times. Of course, you probably will lose friends, and your church may even put you out, but you can’t be put out of God’s church.
Jesus was serious when He said, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
We can join the greats
Following Jesus does have its perils. King knew what the cost might be, yet he chose to do what was right regardless of the cost. He knew that it was very possible he would be killed for preaching the truth. Regardless of the danger he chose to stand for the truths of God.
When you take a stand for what the Bible teaches, you will sometimes seem to be standing by yourself. However, you are not. Jesus is always there beside you. He is the rock that will hold you together when the attack comes. Others will take courage when they see you standing for Jesus.
Jesus says, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:12 NKJV
Israel persecuted everyone God sent to proclaim His message of righteousness. The church might be doing the same today.
You can stand with the prophets and with Jesus when you stand for the truth of God.
Conclusion:
God has called you, just like He called King. Either you can play church, or you can proclaim the truth of God and take a stand against all evil. You can see that there is plenty of evil for each of us to stand against.
Jesus says, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “ John 3:20 NKJV
Jesus says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21 NKJV
This promise from our Lord Jesus should be enough to give you the strength to stand against evil.