“Jesus lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that – a crucifixion.” Philippians 2:8 (The Message)
INJUSTICE
How many times am I gonna get these messages that tear away a piece of my heart each time. I get texts, pictures and phone calls from local Christian leaders, “Tobias, please pray…was arrested…was threatened…was beaten…was killed for Jesus.”
With tears and quivering voices, they describe injustice and send pics that no one wants to ever see. Just this month, a local church planter, loving pastor, and faithful father was assassinated in front of his family. Seven bullets ripped through his body by masked gunmen all because this pastor was actively making disciples, planting churches, and obeying Jesus.
A tragedy. A family devastated. A church in fear. A nation full of injustices. There are too many stories to count. Our world is broken and persecution is promised by Jesus for all who seek to follow him. “Jesus lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death…” (Phil 2:8). But no matter what the Bible promises, when injustice occurs, it doesn’t make us feel any less pain, sadness or anger.
ANGER
Who are the monsters that deserve our anger? Some people call them liberals, socialists or communists. Others call them Atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus or Cultural Christians. In reality, they are just lost people, corrupt governments, and broken systems that oppose all things Jesus Christ. They are manipulated and influenced by evil powers in a world we can’t see but definitely feel (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Satan and his minions are the monsters who seek to destroy all that is good and godly. These spiritual enemies are the ones that deserve all our righteous anger. These enemies of God are also the ones that have been defeated on the cross and will, one day, be eternally judged by the King.
TRUTH
Who is this King that died and rose again? His name is Jesus Christ and he died the worst kind of death – a crucifixion. Jesus had equal status with God but humbly set aside the privileges of deity to become human. He obeyed the Father and gave his life so we could live. After three days in a grave, Jesus rose again and defeated every evil power on heaven and earth.
“Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).
Jesus is the King that my local pastor friend emulated. Every day, there are many people all over the world who choose to emulate Jesus and obey the Father unto death.
Who are the ones that lay down their lives? They are the beautiful and bold saints who suffer for the sake of the Gospel. They are humble Christians who are threatened, ostracized, fined, and marginalized for their faith. They are fruitful faithful followers of Jesus who are constantly being pursued by defeated monsters. They are the ones who love despite injustice.
PRACTICE
Seek God in Prayer. Easier said than done. I hate praying for enemies. I dislike praying for those who persecute and exploit. I see faces of corrupt officials and police that I personally know who hate Christians and I’m asking God to either change their hearts or take them out.
I also see faces of other Christians who exploit the stories of the persecuted church for personal or financial gain. I read an upsetting book the other day written by another missionary about the suffering churches in Southeast Asia – a place I’m very familiar with. I felt that some stories were sensationalized, exploitative of those who suffer, and that the book was self-serving – the expressed goal of the book was to guilt people into donating money to fund their mission. I’m asking God to use their ministry despite my deep disappointment.
As I pray for the haters and exploiters I realize that God was changing me as I let go and let God. He desires for me to be more like Jesus and prayer is just one way to love others in the face of injustice.
Here are some great resources to pray for the persecuted church:
- www.facebook.com/LaoPrayerMovement
- www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide
- www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/getinvolved/pray
Serve People. The stories of those who suffer can seem distant and far away. But who are the people around you that suffer and face injustice? God has put family, strangers, neighbors, and communities within your sphere of influence to practice justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with (Micah 6:8). We are commanded to have empathy and show compassion. Something as simple as, “How can I pray for you?” can go a long way in serving the people God has placed in your lives.
Support Policies. God has also given us the power to redeem broken systems and unjust policies. Persecution of religious and ethnic minorities around the world is only growing – but through God’s grace we can change that. You can be an advocate for the God-given human right to worship and serve God freely.
Here are some ways to take action:
The Asian Rough Rider 