Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
~ 2 Timothy 3:12
Very recently in Scottland, new legislation has gone into effect. “The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act” makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior based on characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity”1. The legislation also creates a new offense of “possessing inflammatory material” 2, and in the eyes of the law, the “insulting” action has to only be “likely”—not actually “intended”3. There is an interesting “protective” free-speech caveat: a specific guarantee that people can still “ridicule or insult” religion.4 (Um, ok.) One of the pastors at my church who goes frequently to Scotland for ministry, said that over 400 Scottish pastors are now on a watch list for this “hate crime” legislation because of the truths contained in God’s Word.
Why make a big deal out of this law way across the ocean? Well, there are two reasons: 1) freedom of speech in our nation is being rapidly chipped away, and 2) the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and Jesus Himself—is offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:4-8). And it’s not just Scotland. In fact, there is more martyrdom around the world for the Gospel today than there has been in any other time in human history. According to a recent report from Open Doors, more than 13 Christians are killed each day for their faith. That is shocking enough…but simply for following Jesus:
- 4,125 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned.
- 3,906 believers were abducted.
- More than 3,200 Christians were raped, sexually harassed, or forced to marry non-Christians.
- 42,849 followers of Jesus were physically or mentally abused.
- Nearly 300,000 Christians were forced to leave their homes, go into hiding, or flee their country of origin.
And these numbers are likely underreported. Let that sink in.
This persecution may not be on our own doorstep just yet. But it’s coming. Fast. So, my question to you—and me—is this: Are we willing to be “on the list”? Are we ready to stand firm in the face of persecution and threats to our own safety, family, and life? These warnings are not new. The Bible is full of exhortations to expect trouble and hatred (Matthew 10:22; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 1 John 3:13)—and to be watchful and stand firm (1 Peter 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:13; James 1:12). But we’re also reminded that, despite our daily—and coming—trouble in this world, Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). He is Sovereign. He is King. And He’s coming back to make everything right (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7). So, until then, friend, let us stand on the Rock that is our God, preparing for the promise of persecution.
Lord, You promise You’re coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until then, give me the strength and grace to persevere what the world and the enemy intend for evil, but You intend for good—and for Your glory.
encouraged by grace 