In the World We Have Trouble

Christ said about Himself, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth: I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). He was the Prince of Peace, yet He was the cause of division. He who came to proclaim good news opened a controversy that burns deep and stirs intense passion in the human heart. And He warns His followers, “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death” (Luke 21:16).ULe 32.5

Every insult and cruelty that Satan could persuade human hearts to devise has been inflicted on the followers of Jesus. The carnal heart still bitterly opposes the law of God. The world is no more in harmony with the principles of Christ today than in the days of the apostles. The same hatred that prompted the cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” still works in those who rebel against God. The same spirit that consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to death in the Dark Ages, that invented the torture of the Inquisition, that planned and executed the Massacre of St. Bartholomew, and that lit the fires of Smithfield, is still at work. Those who proclaim the gospel have always done so in the face of opposition, danger, and suffering.ULe 32.6

Scorn and persecution have separated many from earthly friends, but never from the love of Christ. Never are Christ’s followers more dearly loved by the Savior than when they are blamed and misunderstood for the truth’s sake. Christ stands by their side. When they are confined within prison walls, Christ cheers their hearts with His love. When they suffer death for Christ’s sake, the Savior says to them, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul.ULe 32.7

“Fear not; for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10.ULe 33.1

“He will redeem their life from oppression and violence;
And precious shall be their blood in His sight” Psalm 72:14.ULe 33.2