08/25/2015
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved ~ Mark 13:13
His words tell us that persecution is not a surprise. Christians who face the trial of persecution should not wonder whether God has lost control of the world. Instead, we can have confidence that this is just how Christ said it would be. Persecution is the necessary precursor to the end.
Persecution is not endured alone. Despite the suffering and pain of persecution, Christ promised His presence would be with the persecuted. No one should worry about what to say, for the Holy Spirit would speak through them. God does not shelter His people from facing trials, mockery, and suffering, but He does not abandon them in those moments of persecution, either.
Jesus reminded His followers that persecution is not the last word. Pain and trial may last for a time (and even result in physical death), but “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (v. 13). The gospel will be preached to the world and God’s kingdom will ultimately arrive in fullest victory.