November 30
I am still in India, and I had a horrific day, for me and for my family.
According to the Great Commission of our Lord, we are called to spread the gospel everywhere:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
I never thought I would receive death threats for sharing the gospel. I won’t say much about it here. I believe Hindutva groups, such as the RSS, are behind it. I was threatened for speaking about Jesus, and that this is happening to many believers across India.
So let us talk about what our Lord said about persecution. He did not hide it from us.
He told us it would come
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you… The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:18, 20)
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
Jesus never promised that following Him would be safe. He promised that He would be with us.
He told us not to be afraid
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Threats are meant to produce fear and silence. The Lord’s answer is that nothing a man can do to us is final, because our life is held by Him.
He told us how to respond
This is the hardest part. Our Lord does not tell us to hate, retaliate or curse.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” (Romans 12:14)
I will be honest that I do not find this easy after a day like mine. But it is the way of Jesus, who prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Our enemy is not a person. As Paul reminds us, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). The people who threaten us are the ones who most need the gospel.
He told us to rejoice
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41)
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” (Philippians 1:29)
The first disciples were beaten for preaching Jesus, and they went away rejoicing. I’m not there yet today, but I want the same heart.
We are not alone
I am far from the only one. Christians across India face threats, mob attacks, false accusations and arrests for sharing their faith or simply gathering to pray. I ask that you pray for them, for my family and for me, and also for those who oppose us, that the Lord would open their eyes.
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
I will not stop preaching Jesus. The Great Commission has no expiry date, and the One who gave it said He would be with us to the end.
Glory to Jesus Christ, who is worthy of every threat we face and every sacrifice we make for His name.