Over the last few days it has been a heartache to hear of the suffering from the folks in Afghanistan. I have heard pastors and missionaries weep as they contemplate the suffering of Christians in that country. Our thoughts go out to every family, whatever their background or ethnicity, who are hurting there right now.
North Korea is also a place where believers in Christ are under great oppression.
It can be all too easy to forget we have brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith at this very moment.
Hebrews 13v3 tells us: “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us not to forget them. To remember those in prison and those suffering as if it was ourselves in that position. They are our spiritual family. We should smart at their pain, uphold them in prayer and assist in whatever practical manner that we can.
At the moment there seems a great apathy in the Christian Church in the UK. These dear ones are not lukewarm in their faith though facing great difficulty.
There may soon be a day approaching when our own religious freedoms are infringed upon. In fact, it very much appears to be underway right now.
Question: How would you feel if no one supported you? If you felt forgotten to all intents and purposes by man if not by God? The reverse of that is :
How would you feel to know that you were dearly loved and upheld in prayer? I imagine it would bring you comfort and encouragement to go on.
The apostle Paul went from being chief persecutor to a chief apostle. He was a theological genius as well as a miracle worker. Yet, he was all about encouraging those who were struggling. Even organising financial collections to help them.
Let us be spiritual supports as we remember these dear ones before the throne of grace. Let us practice practical Christianity wherever we can.
James 2v14-18:
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Be blessed to be a blessing to others.
Love in Christ - Pastor John