Read the Word:
Hebrews 10:32-39
Meditate on the Word:
It is easy to read a text like this and think that taunts, afflictions, and confiscation of possessions which were so common to the early church are a part of Christianity’s distant past. These things can seem unreal to us, as if it does not happen in the world today. But it does happen to our brothers and sisters in places like China, North Korea, and several African nations. We came up in an environment where such treatment of people of faith was unthinkable, and it is easy for us to assume that this is normal. It is not normal. It is much more normal in the history of the faith for true followers to be beaten, imprisoned, and killed.
This is why the theme of endurance is so prevalent throughout the epistles. People following Christ expected to be treated as He was, when He was crucified. This faith was not for the weak or faint-hearted. It was for the strong who had faith and did not draw back. If faith isn’t true, it flees from persecution. A faith that is strong trusts in God even through persecution. We are not persecuted in America right now. However, it seems there will come a time when this will happens. The taunting of Christians has begun, but do not let this discourage you. Instead, look to Christ.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord for strength to withstand whatever afflictions come our way.
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