Today, reply is on prophecy and persecution, the deliberate, organized and systematic opposition to the existence of Christian assemblies and communities of faith. Holy boldness, faith, and longsuffering are the tools granted for maintaining victory against persecution. The church is commanded and encouraged to not be intimidated, and to continue to prosper despite persecution that sees the alignment of powerful and wealthy institutions that have controlling influence over vast numbers of people. While persecution breaks up the body of believers; may bring false accusations, death, fear, martyrdom, pain, slander, and suffering; and does not allow development of centralized, open, and stable public worship (particularly as seen with “mega-churches”), persecution serves divinity by crystallizing “oneness” without “sameness”, and dispersing believers as missionaries to carry the sacred lifestyle and message to many different and new locations. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “HeLovesUsAll” (Level 4 with 4,268 points, a member since September 30, 2009) posted the following:
He that “endureth” to “the end” of what shall be saved?
“...but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5: 10-12, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Most Important Thing (12/28/2017); GOD Protects the Faithful (12/19/2017); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); The Peace to Endure? (03/28/2017); Sadducees and The Cross? (03/13/2016); Night Cometh (06/11/2013); Missing Information? (06/12/2013)
“HeLovesUsAll”, be encouraged! There are many operations of GOD in covenant relationship with created beings and living creatures that are ongoing, endless and eternal (e.g., atonement, divine love, mercy, salvation, sanctification). The phrase and verse you are focusing on appears as Jesus is delivering prophecy to his disciples regarding the persecution that will arise against his church. He is giving guidance by describing the pattern of events that will follow his dying on the cross. He is not foretelling or predicting future events, here, for he does not say the day and the hour, and he names no names. Also, he is not teaching on the routine challenges and problems we encounter as life experience. (For example, Some are quick to call it “persecution” when the landlord raises the monthly mortgage or rent, when they can not find a parking spot, or when the price of a bus ride is increased.)
Correctly understood, persecution pertains to the survival and uninterrupted service by the community of believers (we say, the body; the church). With genuine persecution there is the coalition and combined attacks by government and religious institutions: the church is a tool of the state, the state is a tool of false belief. Policies, laws, and practices are put into effect intended to destroy, discredit, and eliminate the things from GOD through Jesus Christ. Believers are to persevere, and to remain anchored, committed, and steadfast.
The process of prophecy continues revelation (making divinity knowable, known, accessible and approachable). Prophecy imparts sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge; and is one of many devices used by GOD to comfort, edify (build up; nourish; reinforce) the imparted Spirit, and exhort (move and stir the will; compel immediate action) believers. Opposition to prophecy by religious institutions is buttressed through academic and scholarly institutions, popular culture, and the entire system of interrelated meanings, standards and values we call “the World.” The Sanhedrin and Temple elders of Jesus’ day were ruled by the Sadducees, who denied the existence of angels and spirits; while the Pharisees, in their effort to uplift the law, denied the spirit of prophecy (also called, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth). Their seeking support from the Roman governor and the laws of men intended to rule the then known world depicts the meaning and process of persecution. Consider again the following:
(1.) Matthew 13: 18-23, King James Version (KJV): 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
(2.) James 1: 12, KJV: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Matthew 10: 26-28, KJV: 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Washington, DC
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