“I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me.” John 16:1-3 HCSB
The clouds began to roll in as the sky darkened. The winds blew. A storm was coming. My wife and I were sitting in a restaurant eating when the storm intensified and the traffic signals outside were almost standing horizontal due to the strength of the winds. Then we heard the sirens. A tornado had been spotted and was quickly moving through the area. The sirens served to warn people to take cover.
Just like sirens that warn of impending danger, Jesus warned His disciples of the problems that would soon come their way. They would be forced out of the synagogues and eventually people would try to kill them because they would teach that Jesus was the Messiah. Saul (Paul) went throughout the country killing and persecuting the Christians because he felt he was doing what was right until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Challenge: As believers we will face ridicule and opposition when we take a stand for what is right. We have observed in recent days Christians who have faced discrimination because they have made statements concerning their personal beliefs based upon the Word of God. Yes, trouble is coming. You will face persecution if you do what is right. You will be challenged from those who are in the world and do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pray for strength and courage as you stand for what is right and witness for Jesus Christ.