10/25/2008
“I Know about Your Suffering and Your Poverty - but You Are Rich" (Rev. 2:9a NLT)
This statement sounds like a contradiction. However, it is not. This is straight from the mouth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spoke these words to encourage the church in Smyrna in the Book of Revelation. This is also an encouragement to us as defenders of the Faith to continue on this journey with zeal and determination. Remember, every believer who is walking in obedience will suffer for Christ's sake. Therefore, encouragement (a salute) goes out to missionaries throughout the world who are determined to stand for Christ (no matter what).
First, let us salute our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in foreign countries. These followers of Christ suffer loss of jobs, homes, family, security, and/or physical lives for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This type of persecution occurs in places like Iraq, Columbia, Indonesia, India, Kenya, Sudan, China, Pakistan, and many other nations throughout the world. A free publication called "The Voice of the Martyrs" (www.persecution.com) does an excellent job of keeping Christians informed about the difficulties that our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ face. The articles give updates about prayer requests and testimonies about the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to turn hearts of devout Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others to the Lord. After conversion, these believers risk everything temporal in order to spread the Gospel to family members and fellow countrymen. Fellow brother and sister in Christ - Continue in your faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and one day you will hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.
Second, this is a salute to encourage those here in the United States who stand for righteousness no matter what. At this point, we do not undergo severe persecution as believers in other countries. Nevertheless, this is the platform in which God has entrusted to us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and defend the Faith. Therefore, a salute goes out to the preacher who continues to proclaim the uncompromising Word of God even though it may cost him/her members, reputation, material riches, etc. Preacher - Your reward will be great in heaven, if you do not give up.
Another salute goes out to the young person who is willing to stand for righteousness in the midst of pressure to give into this world's standards (rebellion, lying, pre-martial sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.). Young person - You will receive the crown of life if you continue steadfast in the Faith.
Finally, to my fellow believers in Jesus Christ throughout the world, be encouraged. We will suffer for Christ's sake. You remind us in the United States to not take these times of freedom for granted. Even though we have not faced severe persecution for standing up for Christ yet, this may not always be the case. Therefore, we must remember the Words of Jesus Christ as we continue this race. "Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death." (Rev. 2:11 NLT)
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