Topic: Refuse To Compromise [Wednesday May 13, 2015]
Text: Genesis 21:22-34
Key Verse: “And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest” (Genesis 21:22).
Nearly ten years ago, it was estimated that 200 million Christians worldwide were being persecuted for their unflinching stand for Jesus Christ and Holiness. It was reported that they were denied their rights and entitlements as citizens for refusing to compromise with sin.
Why does the world hate us Christians when we love them and preach salvation and the love of God to them? Jesus told us the reason. “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light” (John 3:20). “…The world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).
But in midst of this hostility, God still protects and blesses those who are faithful to Him, those who decide that come what may, they would not give up their trust in Jesus Christ. As God shields His people and gives them the grace to remain steadfast in holiness and selfless service in the ministry, He opens the eyes of their adversaries to see the blessedness in the lives of the persecuted Christians.
It was the case with Abraham, the believer’s forerunner in faith. The patriarch had been subjected to maltreatment by the heathen king Abimelech and his servants in the land of Gerar (Genesis 20). They took his wife and his well. After these setbacks, however, Abraham began to enjoy a period of great divine visitation during which he got his wife, Sarah, back. She conceived in old age to give him the promised child, Isaac. He had also become prosperous suggesting that indeed God was behind his successes.
Christians should not fret when there is persecution. Instead, they should rest on God’s unchanging promises (Joshua 1:5).
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 4-6
Thought For The Day: Trust His promise never to forsake the true believer.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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