It might seem absurd to some, but this perfectly depicts loyalty and sacrifice.

Similarly, the life we’ve been called to as believers requires boldness, perseverance, and determination for the work ahead. It was never promised to be a bed of roses. Jesus made it clear that those who follow Him will face trials and persecution.

John 15:18-20
New King James Version

18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

20 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.

In this verse, Jesus reminds His disciples that just as He faced persecution, they too should expect the same. This applies not only to the disciples, but as His followers, we are bound to face the same

At salvation, we received the life of Christ and we were made separate from the world. However, this comes with a mandate to bring more people from the world into Christ and that is not going to be an easy task.

For his sake, we will face pain, trials, and hate.

Acts 5:40-42
New King James Version

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

In the text, we see that despite the beatings and threats, they were filled with joy, thanking God for the opportunity to walk in the same footsteps as Christ did.

We see powerful examples in the lives of the apostles and the early church. They were beaten, thrown into prison, torn from their families but yet, they stood steadfast.

Every single Apostle of Christ, except John the beloved, died of persecution, but their commitment to God’s work never wavered. Instead, their response was one of Joy and contentment.

Acts 4:29
New King James Version

29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants boldness to speak Your word.

Notice the response of the early church to persecution, they didn’t ask for the persecution to stop, instead they asked for more boldness to bring the gospel of light into the darkness of this world. This must always serve as a reminder that amid persecution, the message of the truth must remain on our lips.

Persecution today may not be physical pain or torment. Like in Daniel’s time, laws may be enacted to frustrate the mandate we’ve received.

The people around us may ridicule your faith. Your family may reject you or stand as an opposition to what you’ve received, but our disposition must be like that soldier, standing in unwavering commitment and loyalty, ever ready to carry out the work; God has called you to him to do in season and out of season. Apostle Paul reminds Timothy in

2 Timothy 3:12
New King James Version

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Our walk with God is not one of convenience nor is it a bed of roses. We must be ready to pick up our cross to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. It’s a life of self denial, ridicule and rejection but our solace is in the fact that those who have gone ahead of us went through the same. Jesus went through the same, and he mentions in Matthew 5:10-12 our reward is heaven. It’s a blessing to be persecuted.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
New King James Version

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

At the end of our lives, our testimony must be similar to that of Paul. A man whose life was completely sold out to God despite persecution and imprisonment. Even from jail, he served joyfully and never wavered, writing most of the epistles from his cell. Millions were saved and continue to be saved through his faithful service.

This is the life we have been called to live. A life of commitment, determination, and perseverance till the whole world is saved and our mandate is fulfilled. The day the gospel of Christ is on every lip and the message of his glory is heard at the ends of the Earth and persecution must never stop us.

Prayer Point:
Lord help me to stay wholly committed to Your cause regardless of the cost. Help me to serve You faithfully, even in the face of persecution, no matter what I face, the gospel never leaves my lips.