Mercy and Enemies
The reality of persecution raises important questions. How should disciples react, especially when persecuted by the State? Is resorting to expressions of anger or acts of civil disobedience appropriate? Or should they instead emulate Jesus of Nazareth? In his teachings, he warns that all men who decide to follow him will experience “tribulation,” and he summons his disciple to follow the same path that he did (“If they persecuted me, so they will persecute you”).
The disciple must conform his life to
Christ’s example by “taking up the cross.” The disciple who refuses to follow his Lord is “not worthy of me” - (Matthew 16:24).
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[Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash] |
It is a “blessing” and not a curse to suffer for him, although this is counterintuitive and contrary to the “wisdom of this world.” Unlike the expectations of this sinful world, his disciple is called to “rejoice and be glad” when persecuted since “great is his reward in heaven.” Did not Jesus pronounce the merciful “blessed,” and declare that those who are “merciful will obtain mercy”?
To follow the Lamb produces opposition,
and his followers should not be surprised when persecution comes. But the mind that
is dominated by sin and self sees suffering as a curse.
Only the eye of faith perceives that
it produces everlasting rewards in the “age to come.”
Moreover, his teachings about suffering and persecution are echoed in the
writings of the Apostles.
IN THESSALONICA
The Assembly in Thessalonica received the Gospel
in “much tribulation,” nevertheless, its members welcomed Paul’s message
despite hostility and other repercussions. In this way, they became “imitators”
of him.
Instead of anger or dismay, they accepted a
way of discipleship characterized by suffering. In this way, they became “examples”
for the other congregations in the region - (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
By enduring persecution, the Thessalonians
became “imitators” of the earlier saints “in Judea…who suffered the
same things by their own fellow countrymen” - (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16).
After being compelled to leave Thessalonica,
Paul sent Timothy to assess the situation. He wanted no one to “shrink back
in these tribulations. For you yourselves know that we are appointed for this… We are destined to suffer tribulation.”
According to the Apostle, persecution results from following Jesus.
Years later, he expressed similar sentiments
to Timothy, including “what manner of persecutions” he had endured.
He pointed to his sufferings as a pattern for disciples to imitate, for “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted” - (2 Timothy 3:10-12).
THE BIBLICAL hope
is forward-looking. Final
rewards are received in the “age to come.” Suffering in the present is
not pleasant, but it “is a slight momentary affliction preparing us for an everlasting
weight of glory beyond all comparison” - (2 Corinthians 4:17, Revelation
22:12).
Suffering “unjustly” is a sign of divine approval, evidence
that one is a true follower of Jesus. “When you do right and suffer for it
patiently, you have God's approval.” To endure rejection is what it
means to follow the Lord who “also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow” - (1 Peter 2:19-20).
We are not to “be frightened in anything
by our opponents.” Hostility to the faith is “clear evidence” of their
destruction but also of “our salvation.” God has graced us to suffer for His kingdom
- (Philippians 1:28-29).
THE DISCIPLE’S RESPONSE
Being human and “flesh,” we instinctively
respond in kind to personal and corporate attacks. Society sees self-defense
and retaliation as necessary and even morally justified reactions to threats
and assaults.
Nevertheless, Jesus prohibited his
disciples from engaging in retaliation, and he provided no exceptions to the rule, period. Revenge
may be the “way the world works,” but his disciple is called to something quite
different.
When we are persecuted, we are to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.” It is by showing mercy to our enemy that we emulate God and become “perfect” like Him - (Matthew 5:44-48).
Likewise, Paul exhorted disciples to “bless
them that persecute, bless and do not curse.” They are to “render
no one evil for evil.” God’s justice is not blind, but the disciple must “not
avenge” himself. Instead, he must leave justice in the hands of the God who
will “repay” if, how, and when
He sees fit - (Romans 12:14-21).
The Apostle Peter also teaches believers to
“endure patiently” unjust suffering. Doing so demonstrates our “approval
by God,” which, logically, means our unwillingness to endure persecution
and our determination to avenge ourselves shows His disapproval.
Peter pointed to Jesus and his death as the
ultimate example of how believers must respond to hostility, for to “this
you have been called because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an
example” - (1 Peter 2:19-23).
Our desire to respond to evil with
evil stems from our tendency to view persecutors and accusers as “enemies”.
But we must recall what we once were. No one is born a disciple. Every believer
is a convert. Previously, we were “enemies” of God, and we were only
reconciled to Him “by the death of his Son.” He died for us “while we
were yet sinners” - (Romans 5:6-10).
Our true “enemies” are not “blood
and flesh, but the principalities, the authorities, the world-holders of this
darkness.” Human agents unwittingly carry out acts of aggression on behalf
of their demonic overlords.
However, on the Cross, Jesus did not
overthrow the political enemies of Israel, but instead triumphed over “the
principalities and powers.”
In him, God is reconciling fallen men to
Himself and has bequeathed the ministry of reconciliation to the Assembly. since we have received mercy, who better to
show mercy to our persecutors?
When persecution does come, as HIS disciples,
we must not respond with belligerence, civil disobedience, and especially, not with violence. One
cannot “overcome evil with evil.” When we react to hostility with rage
and violence, Satan triumphs, and we demonstrate just whose disciple we truly are.
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