"O God, why have You cast us off forever?...Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old....Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; they set up their banners for signs....They said in their hearts, 'Let us destroy them altogether.' They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land." (Psalm 74)
This is Germany, 1933-1945. Bonhoeffer made a note beside verse 8 in his Bible the day after Germans, "burned up all the meeting places of God in the land." And it was not only the synagogues, but also church buildings which were reflected in Psalm 74. There are photos of church buildings in Berlin where the National Socialists, "....set up their banners for signs." Moreover, I can assure you that in most locations throughout the earth the intent is still, "They said in their hearts, 'Let us destroy them altogether.'" The Followers of Jesus can still pray today, "We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet; nor is there any among us who knows how long. O God, how long will the adversary reproach?
Sunday, April 17, is "Stand With the Persecuted" Day, a day to remember and pray for those who are persecuted, imprisoned, and murdered for their following Jesus Christ. Yes, there is "suffering" everywhere and in every town and in every local church. You may be suffering today. When we speak of the "Suffering Church" or "The Persecuted Church," I am not dismissing the "inner" suffering, the inner persecution which the Enemy of our souls seeks to inflict on us all. If you are experiencing suffering of any "kind" today, I pray that our Peace, Who is Jesus, will be your peace and overcoming power today. Remember, Followers of Jesus may be, "persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed"--- never, EVER.
This is Germany, 1933-1945. Bonhoeffer made a note beside verse 8 in his Bible the day after Germans, "burned up all the meeting places of God in the land." And it was not only the synagogues, but also church buildings which were reflected in Psalm 74. There are photos of church buildings in Berlin where the National Socialists, "....set up their banners for signs." Moreover, I can assure you that in most locations throughout the earth the intent is still, "They said in their hearts, 'Let us destroy them altogether.'" The Followers of Jesus can still pray today, "We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet; nor is there any among us who knows how long. O God, how long will the adversary reproach?
Sunday, April 17, is "Stand With the Persecuted" Day, a day to remember and pray for those who are persecuted, imprisoned, and murdered for their following Jesus Christ. Yes, there is "suffering" everywhere and in every town and in every local church. You may be suffering today. When we speak of the "Suffering Church" or "The Persecuted Church," I am not dismissing the "inner" suffering, the inner persecution which the Enemy of our souls seeks to inflict on us all. If you are experiencing suffering of any "kind" today, I pray that our Peace, Who is Jesus, will be your peace and overcoming power today. Remember, Followers of Jesus may be, "persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed"--- never, EVER.
I leave with you today, however, the great triumph of all who have "overcome" in the Person, the Resurrection Power, Grace, Mercy and Peace, Who is Our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. "But God is my King from long ago; He brings salvation on the earth....do not deliver the life of Your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted people forever. Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise Your Name. Rise up, O God, and defend Your cause; remember how fools mock You all day long." Well, I didn't start out to quote so much of Psalm 74, but I hardily recommend that you read the complete Psalm, and pray it, not only for the "Persecuted Church," but for you and yours as well.
Father, in Jesus' Name, there is no greater praying that Your Words. Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
