Mike Ratliff of Possessing the Treasure offers hope for Christians who are suffering. Ratliff reminds us that “The hostility from those unworthy of the truth is like that of a wolf pack going after a few sheep.” He warns us to beware, to be careful. And he instructs us what to do in the face of the enemy.
It is the Lord Jesus who sends His sheep into the world. He said to His disciples:
I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. — Matthew 10:16
Jesus labeled His enemies “ravenous wolves.” Wolves have sharp teeth. And they’re sly. In 1 Peter 5:8 we’re told that “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Make no mistake, brethren. Persecution will eventually come to every true believer.
Mike Ratliff begins his piece with the very words of the Lord Jesus:
35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, *came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Mark 10:35-40 (NASB)
The truth, Biblical truth that is, cuts like a sword or the sharpest dagger ever seen. God’s ways are not Man’s ways or the ways of the world. No, God’s ways are antithetical to the ways of fallen men. Many reading this can testify to losing close friends and having conflict within family groups because God has quickened them by His grace. Their faith is alive. They are regenerate. They now can see the truth and are able to obey God. This new life in Christ belongs to those who have found the narrow gate, which is Christ. They have passed through it in belief and now are on the narrow way which leads to the Celestial City.
The conflict arises from this new life when it comes to bear on those around the believer who know not God. They may indeed be religious. They may be professing Christians, but neither of these things are guarantees of eternal life. The genuine believer is a possessor of the truth, God has written it on his or her heart. However, the unregenerate cannot grasp this truth. They see it as utter foolishness. When the regenerate believer walks in this belief with it affecting all parts of his or her life the unregenerate react in many ways. Anger, resentment, skepticism, hostility, and disdain are just a few of the reactions genuine Christians will encounter when they walk by faith.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Matthew 10:5-14 (NASB)
Obedient Christians will encounter two groups of people in their walks. Some are honorable the rest are not. The honorable receive the truth while the rest will not receive it to themselves nor listen to the truth. Jesus instructs us to shake off the dust from our feet as we depart from them. This is to show them that God’s peace is for others, not them. Continue reading
On Christian suffering, just read what some so called brethren say when one calls out a wolf, or their favorite rock star-idol-preacher.
Also, many Christians have been duped into believing the word of faith or prosperity gospel, that falsely states God wants you wealthy, happy and healthy. Nothing is farther from the truth….. Jesus was known as a man acquainted with grief and sadness, His apostles were persecuted, prosecuted and killed. The bible promises, God’s supernatural protection, not freedom from trouble. As for these days we are witnessing, these last days, the bible is clear…..it will be a time of utter apostasy, the sheep turning on their own because the word of God, families turning on believers within their own ranks. Can one say we’re not there yet?
May our good and gracious God protect His own, may He give us the strength and courage to always proclaim His truth, His words and to patiently await the return of His Son with all godliness.