April 15th is Jackie Robinson day which acknowledges the significant accomplishments and cultural advancements resulting from the career of the first African American Major League Baseball player. Mr. Robinson was a gifted baseball player that suffered many racial insults because of the color of his skin. Today remembers his career and his family’s impact in life after baseball are a result of many years of perseverance and hard work.
Christians should also expect to face insults and persecution in this world. Christ said “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belong to the world, it would love you as its own…you do not belong to the world…that is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19). We are told in 1st Peter 3:9 “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” Furthermore, “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1st Peter 3:17)
Therefore, remember that we should expect troubles to come AND that we have been given our orders in regards to how to respond to suffering and persecution. Psalm 23:4 states “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”….it is not a matter of if we will walk in the valley, but how many times, for how long, and how will we respond. The beautiful thing about this we are told up front the reward for obedience…“Humble yourselves to the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).
No comments:
Post a Comment