Read Psalm 94:1-10. 1O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! 2Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! 3O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? 4They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. 5They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. 6They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; 7and they say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” 8Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? 9He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? 10He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
Jesus reminded us of the world’s hatred of himself and how that hatred must be shared by us in an increasingly hostile world. Today a Christian is killed for their faith every two hours. Christians around the world are losing jobs, educational opportunities, land, and life simply because of their faith in Jesus. Persecution of the church is as great as it has ever been. The world is not on a trajectory of greater religious freedom, but less. Myanmar, Afghanistan, Uganda, Iran, China, North Korea, Nigeria, Nicaragua, India, Cuba, and of course Ukraine, Christians in these places and many more face severe trials for claiming the name of Jesus.
Christian, if you aren’t praying how long, you aren’t paying attention.
Yet, in spite of growing persecution around the world, the church is growing around the world. The body of Christ isn’t merely surviving, it is thriving, as it always will (China for example is projected to have 200 million Christians by 2030 – the greatest revival ever!). The gates of Hell will never prevail.
So the person in Christ must live within this paradox – constantly crying out to God for his righteous vengeance, against the enemies of the church, while trusting that his patience in repaying is an act of his saving mercy. How long? Until all who might respond to Christ have had that chance.
To live is Christ trusts that in God’s perfect timing vengeance will come with the coming of Christ. Until then may his grace and mercy in the cross rebuke the world. May his kindness in Christ bring repentance.
You: Are you paying attention to the persecuted church?
You in Christ: Why will persecution never wipe out the church in Christ?
Christ in you: Pray for the persecuted church today.
Prayer. Father, help me to pay attention to the plight of my Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Bring justice, bring mercy, bring salvation. Amen.
To Live is Christ 