This Easter, I had plenty of time to read the Easter stories, and while going through John's chapters on Easter, I came across some verses I haven't noticed before. In Jesus' last great speech to the disciples, he gives them a prediction about the future of those who follow him. "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not fall away. They will exclude you from the synagogues, and the time will come when anyone who kills me will think that he is serving God. And they will do so because they have known neither the Father nor me. But these things I have spoken to you, that when that time comes, you may remember that I said these things to you." John 16:1-4a.
I chewed on those words when I called an evangelist from Turkmenistan and talked to him about the persecution in the country. Because how do Christians react to persecution? What does it do to them? He paused in wonder before answering that they are not surprised by persecution. Because we always teach the gospel and how it also comes with pain and suffering.
When a Christian is persecuted for their faith, we should not be surprised. Because Jesus has told us that Christians will be excluded from fellowship and some will be killed here on earth. Jesus said this so that we know that we should not be surprised when we are persecuted. Persecution is not something we should avoid at all costs. It will come if it comes. Instead, we must preach the gospel with all its consequences so that people come to know the Father and Jesus. Both out in the world and in our own little pond.
At the Danish European Mission, we want to share all that the persecuted church can teach Christian Danes. Therefore, every month we will write a short blog post about a Christian point that can inspire, encourage and challenge you. This week's post is written by Manfred, who is a development consultant at the Danish European Mission.
