While I was reading in John, chapter 16, God revealed to me something I had never seen before. Even in verses 1-4, Jesus was speaking of Muslims and how they will treat Christians. This will make sense as we read these verses together. They read, “these things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.” (John 16:1-4) Wow! Isn’t that food for the soul? It is sure is my friend. Every time Jesus speaks we can understand great things. Even at this moment in time, that He was speaking of Islam and the Muslim community. Many good Christians have gone into hostile Muslim countries where they have died for their faith. These wicked people have killed and are still killing God’s people and think that it is doing Allah a great service. They have taken men, women, and children out of their houses and churches and brought them to places where they can interrogate them and later kill them. Some have even died on the spot when they arrive by gunfire. Again, they do this great evil because they do not know Jesus, nor the Father. If they did, then there would be peace between Muslims and Christians.
What Jesus said is a revelation of the future events that we live in now. He saw our day and warned us of these times to come. Even so much that when we see things like this happening that we will remember what He said almost two thousand years ago. For this, we give Him thanks for warning us, but also remember what He said about not being offended. We cannot lose our faith because of the offenses and persecutions that come our way. Of which only Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, can we have the strength to carry on. Even can His peace abide in us, that we go forth with Him leading us through the fire. We go wherever God leads us, even if it means losing our life. Surely, there is more joy in heaven than on earth. Even are there more treasures in heaven than we can ever gain on earth. And to be with the Lord is better than anything we can do on earth. Now, with that said, Jesus also, “but now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:5-7) Wow! Praise God that we have the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. Jesus is even with us through the Spirit. It is Jesus that gives us peace and a clear mind. Through His hands, we are guided safely home to be with Him in heaven. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will grow closer to You daily. Help us to be patient and to learn to wait upon You. So often do we get discouraged because we’ve prayed and no answer has come. But what we don’t realize is that You work on Your own time table and not our own. That is why patience is a virtue for those who learn to be patient for You. As for me, I love Your words in the Bible. They are food for my soul. Each time I read, I am filled with the Spirit. I cannot help but glorify You. Your wisdom continues to fill me, which I am so grateful for. Lord, hear my praise and worship! If I lift up my hands in honor, it is because I love You, God. Because You are with me, I will go wherever You lead me. Even into the fire will I go. You give me boldness to do what may seem impossible. Even to risk my life for the gospel’s sake. People in all the world need to know You, no matter the cost. So please continue to lead me and others in the harvest, that even one person can come to faith because of our efforts. We go forth to find the one in the ninety and nine. It is worth praying for the one person who will receive You. It is worth losing our lives, if one person in the midst of the killers sees Your love in us and goes after You in repentance and faith. This is why I evangelize and am a witness for You, Lord. I love You more than even this life that I have now. I love You, Jesus. I give You praise and honor. I adore You, God. Amen.
