A 2013 article in Unfinished magazine details the exciting growth of Christianity in the “new India.” With more than 71 million believers in Jesus, the country is now the 8th largest Christian nation in the world. But even though faith in Christ is spreading “at a rapid rate among middle and high caste Indians and young people,” there are challenges for the new believers. “With great receptivity to Christianity also comes alarming religious animosity, resulting in persecution and violent resistance.”
Jesus knew the bitter effects of persecution and resistance. As He returned to “his boyhood home” of Nazareth, He went to the local synagogue and selected a prophetic passage from Isaiah (Luke 4:16). His purpose was to announce that salvation had come through Him—not just for the Jews but also for Gentiles. By referencing Elijah and Elisha and their individual ministries to “foreigners” (non-Jews) as He described His mission, the locals got the message. And they didn’t like it.
“No prophet is accepted in his own hometown,” Jesus said (Luke 4:24). Unable to accept the fact that they weren’t the only ones to receive God’s grace and moved by a festering anger against Gentile overlords, the people turned against Jesus. In fact, they tried to push Him off a cliff on the hill where the town was built. But in a display of divine power, Christ simply “passed right through the crowd and went on his way” (Luke 4:30).
Opposition and persecution are challenges for many believers in Jesus today. Yet God’s kingdom continues to grow. Those who suffer for Him, He says, will be blessed (Matthew 5:11). And His presence and power are with us, even when we face trouble for believing in Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
More:
Read John 15:18-21 and consider who’s truly being rejected when you’re persecuted for your belief in Jesus.
Next:
What gives you hope even as you face resistance because of your faith? Take a moment today to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are facing bitter persecution.
gary1schelvan on May 21, 2015 at 3:33 am
Hey Brother Tom,
I haven’t seen a posting from you in some time, glad to hear from you again. This is Gary S. from Tianjin, China where I now live and where as you know there is active persecution, not of the deadly kind, but never the less..persecution. I just finished reading a fascinating book, Amazing grace by Eric Metaxas on William Wilberforce, of late 18th century England. He fought his whole life to abolish the slave trade in the English empire, then he and Christian friends fought the British establishment to have the British East Indies Trading Co. allow Christianity to be introduced into India to combat horrible pagan practices. They were successful, and as a result as you mentioned it is alive and well in India, though under hostile and often deadly persecution. But, nobody, no govt. can keep out the truth. As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If something is in God’s plans, there is no stopping it in any way. Hateful and evil tyrants/govt’s have been trying to stamp out Christianity since the time of Christ’ birth. They haven’t even come close, and they never will. So thanks for the posting Brother Tom, always love to hear from you. Blessings on you, and we must always stand strong and resolute in our life in Jesus Christ, who has all power and authority! Hallelujah!!!
Tom Felten on May 21, 2015 at 8:50 am
Great to hear from you, Gary! Yes, history is full of examples of believers in Jesus being used by God to bring light and life to the world. With the transformation there also often comes persecution. May God give you and others who are facing active persecution the grace and strength to stand up under it today!
BearPair on May 21, 2015 at 4:19 am
Good to read these new thoughts Tom… and so appropriate for our day. Probably the most significant magazine to enter our home in the last 20 years has been the VOM (Voice of the Martyrs) publication/s. Blessed indeed are those who must suffer for the trust & faith in our Risen Savior & Lord!
Tom Felten on May 21, 2015 at 8:52 am
BearPair, yes, the VOM ministry continues to do great things for God’s kingdom. So thankful for them and for their efforts!
Gary Shultz on May 21, 2015 at 6:26 am
Thanks for the reminder to pray for our torn brothers and sisters in Christ. Hate for God will bring persecution at some time, “shooting the messenger” seems to be the most popular way to silence the light. I pray we will stand and be ready if suffering comes our way.
Tom Felten on May 21, 2015 at 8:54 am
Amen, Gary. Praying that God’s peace will fill the hearts of those being persecuted for their faith in Jesus and that it will also touch the hearts of those doing the persecuting!