Persecution and Joy
Lessons from the book of Acts (#2)
Recently, at church, I heard a number of stories of Christians throughout the world being persecuted. Christians are being forced to leave their homes, jailed, tortured, and even killed for their faith.
These stories are unsettling and distressing to listen to. How can I possibly connect the words “persecution and joy”?
Let’s look at an example in scripture where these two words are used in the same story.
1 ….. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. ….. 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. …. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:1-12 ESV)
Great persecution ….they were all scattered….those who were scattered went about preaching the word….Christ was proclaimed….many believed…there was much joy….
As bad as persecution is, it often leads to good things. As we look back through history, or even in our own personal lives, it becomes clear that spiritual growth does not take place when things are easy and going smoothly. Spiritual growth takes place during the “tough” times.
We all enjoy the “mountain top experiences” but we need to remind ourselves that we experience the most spiritual growth when we are in the “valleys.”
Check out “Whoever Believes….”
