February 18 | The Promise of Persecution

Series | The Promises of God

Scripture | Mark 10:29-30, “29 I tell you the truth, Jesus replied, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields–and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Lesson 18 | The Promise of Persecution  

At this point in our series on the “Promises of God,” I would like to introduce a promise that many might wish God never made to you.  However, to be faithful in this series to the promises of God, I felt it necessary to share this one as well. 

The reason for me sharing this promise is not to discourage or frighten you, but rather to give you hope and encouragement.  Meaning, if one were to read this series and only think that God promises pleasant things, and then when unpleasant times come someone might lose their faith.  At the same time, if I am faithful to share both God’s pleasant and unpleasant promises than the reader will be given courage to face their times of trials.

Thus, let us look to the above passage in its context and be encouraged with the promise of persecution.  First, we notice that Jesus promises great blessings to His new disciples.  He states that whatever they have left for His sake, they will receive back a 100 times in this age!  Houses, land, family- all of these things will be given to the disciples a hundred times over if they had given them up for God’s Kingdom.  And please take note that this 100-fold blessing is not promised in heaven, but rather in this “present age.” 

Now to the unpleasant promise, Jesus then says, “and with them persecutions.”  Thus, while serving Jesus you will be rewarded and greatly blessed on this earth for all that you give up, but you will also suffer man’s persecution.  Some in your family may become enemies of your faith and ridicule you with their mocking words.  Co-workers may work at removing you from your job and try to hinder your success.  Also, other religions or governments may physically attack you or destroy your property.  But during these times, remember God’s other promises to always be with you, to protect you from evil, and give you perfect peace.

Therefore, though in this world you will be greatly blessed, you will also have persecution to accompany your blessings.  But if you endure the unpleasant times with the pleasant you will be rewarded with eternal joy without any suffering forever in the presence of God!

Reflection | Are you being persecuted today for your faith in Jesus?

Action | (1) Ask God to forgive those who persecute you, for they know not what they do. (2) Pray to receive your hundred fold blessing in this life to help balance the unpleasant times with prosperity.  (3) Lastly, remember this age is not your home, you are just passing through.       

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Leviticus 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Psalm 37:1-11, &Proverbs 10:3-4. Click here to read online.