Acts 5: 40b-42 says, “They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
This is an example of the proper response to persecution. The enemy, Satan, has a purpose for persecution. It is to silence us. The proper response is to consider the persecution an honor and to persist in our faithful promotion of God’s glory and Kingdom.
When we are persecuted for the sake of Christ it is a great honor for we are being identified with Him. The best way for us to honor Him in this situation is to continue to obey His command, His purpose, His intention, for spreading the good news that He is the King. He is a good King, a gracious King, a righteous King, a powerful King, a saving King, a worthy King, a loving King. He deserves all our love and devotion and obedience and service. We are privileged to have the opportunity to know Him and to serve Him.
In light of this privilege to know and serve and love Him, any cost in terms of our convenience, comfort, safety, or survival is inconsequential. The importance of our relationships, our possessions or our lives is nothing in comparison to the opportunity to know and serve Him. This is the natural and normal attitude we will have toward suffering for Him if we truly understand Who He Is.
