Persecution That Cuases Us to Blaspheme

Acts 26:11 “And I punished them [Saints] often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.”

Paul, before he was saved, gives light as to the reason why he so vehemently persecuted the church. In his own words, “I persecuted them that they might blaspheme.” I think this is an important concept for us to focus on as we look to serve the Lord and fulfill all that He has called us to do. Primarily because persecution has not ceased, nor will it until the return of Christ and our response to it will determine whether or not it actually accomplishes the purpose of the persecutor. Secondly, as we seek to understand the work of God in calling us to boldness, are we prepared for and equipped to deal with persecution in a God honoring, and God glorifying way?

Persecution or the fear of persecution still exists today. It was promised to exist by Christ Himself when he said, “If the world hated me, it will hate you also.” Persecution will come in many different forms, and at many different times. There is nothing that says WHEN and HOW frequent persecution will occur in our lives; we just know that it will. The problem then is: have we strengthened ourselves BEFORE the time comes? The concept is whether or not we have begun to blaspheme the name of God or the power of God in our lives. First have we actually reviled or blasphemed the name of God and His power as persecution arises, or even in the face of possible persecution? Are we so afraid to stand for what is right that we shrink back from speaking the truth of Christ? Have we lost our confidence in the power and work of God in the lives of all believers that when faced with the opportunity to speak the good news we don’t simply because we are afraid of the consequences…the possibility of persecution? Have we actually spoken out against God in the extreme circumstances where we are being persecuted and verbally blasphemed Him? Paul makes it clear that he used to persecute them with that goal to “make them blaspheme.” The truth of the matter is that we, who are of faith, have no reason to shrink back in fear, we have no reason to remain silent in shame, and we have no reason to act cowardly in the midst of a perverse generation. Rather on the contrary, God encourages us through the Scriptures that we have no need to be shameful when we are following His word, that we have received grace and power to live lives of godliness, and righteousness in the midst of the present age. In Hebrews it says it like this, “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” We have no need to shrink back, we have faith, and power and authority bestowed on us by the maker of heaven and earth. This is also why the Psalmist can say, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Christ teaches the same lesson when He teaches us not to fear the one who can merely harm the body, but fear the one who can send both body and soul to hell. So what are we afraid of? Why are we silent? This generation needs to hear, understand and see the power and victory that the blood of Christ and grace of God working in us sounds like and looks like!

Second, we need to be equipped and strengthened for the day of persecution, but more importantly for the Day of Christ. Throughout scripture we are encouraged to equip ourselves, to mature, to grow, to be effective, and fruitful. Wisdom teaches that we ought to be prepared BEFORE the time of difficulty comes. We are told to walk worthy of our calling. We are encouraged to live and approve of what is excellent so that we may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Maturing and growing will allow us to know how to better handle persecution as it arises. It will make us able to give reason for the hope that is in us. It will give us the opportunity to show that God truly is good to His saints and that He does continue to care and watch over us.

All this being said, it is fitting when Peter encourages the believers to grow in grace. Be prepared. Continue to be reformed and remade into a people that are after the heart and life of those who walk worthy of their calling. Do not fear, do not shrink back, and do not remain silent in the midst of a perverse generation that will potentially persecute you. Be aware why persecution comes and continue to strengthen yourselves in the Lord. Speak the good news, be ready in season and out of season and continue to be equipped, maturing, and abounding in the grace and goodness of God. For we are not like those who shrink back to destruction, but those who have faith to the preservation of the soul.