Hated because of Jesus?

January 26, 2021 (Tuesday)

 

Early in church history, book of Acts early, the authorities did everything they could to stop the spread of the gospel. After being questioned by the council and confronted by the high priest emotions ran high. “When the council members heard this, they became furious and wanted to kill the apostles.” [Acts 5:33 CEB]

 

One of the more respected council members, Gamaliel, gave them a history lesson and suggested, “Here’s my recommendation in this case: Distance yourselves from these men. Let them go! If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin.” [Acts 5:38 CEB] There are times when we think those who hate Jesus are mindless zombies following the whim of a puppet master. Here, God provides them with a voice of reason.

 

Gamaliel then throws in something that makes me wonder, “If it originates with God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!” The council was convinced by his reasoning.” [Acts 5:39 CEB] This seems to leave the door open for a sliver of honest doubt. Their hostility towards Jesus was fueled by a certainty that their view of God was correct and the disciples view was wrong.

 

After being beaten and commanded to not speak in the name of Jesus, “The apostles left the council rejoicing because they had been regarded as worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the name.” [Acts 5:41 CEB] In America, most Christians have managed to escape suffering disgrace or physical abuse. Understand this has been a historical anomaly.

 

There may be some who are reading this undercover and threatened because of Jesus. There will be a day when we will suffer in America. (Some people believe the last election is a huge step in that direction.) Jesus did say if we wanted to follow Him, we must pick up our cross. Paul warned Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” [2 Timothy 3:12 ESV]

 

Notice the warning is not anyone who lives a godly life… it’s anyone who WANTS to live a godly life. Now that I’m thinking about it, maybe it’s not a warning. Maybe it’s a promise. It is high praise from an opponent when they have to adjust to you. It is high praise when Christians are hated because of Christ.

 

Just a point, but it’s not small. If we are to be hated, let’s not let it be because we behave badly. Peter put it this way, “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” [1 Peter 2:20 ESV] This is just after he told people to honor the emperor. That emperor was Nero… yes, that Nero.

 

How did the first disciples respond to being hated for following Jesus? “Every day they continued to teach and proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Christ, both in the temple and in houses.” [Acts 5:42 CEB] Their initial response in verse 41 is too rejoice. Then they continued. Notice they didn’t start something they were not doing as an act of defiance. They continued to do what they were doing.

 

This may not mean much to you today. But someday it might. To those who find this under pressure to give up Christ or to shut up about Jesus, stay strong. Spoiler alert: I’ve read how this story ends. Jesus wins. Those who are found in Jesus win too.