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WHY DO YOU PERSECUTE ME? (ACTS 9:1-9)

“Why do you persecute me?” is the theme for our reflection. To persecute means to subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or their political beliefs. In our reflection, Christians were persecuted because of their faith in Christ. We shall reflect on the fact that Jesus can deliver us from the hands of our enemies or those who persecute us on account of our faith.

Beloved in the Lord, Jesus Christ, is our security, He delivers us from the hands of our enemies. Saul was an enemy of Christians because he upheld the beliefs and practices of Judaism and was a religious fanatic of Judaism. “Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:3-6). Jesus delivered the Christians at Damascus from the sinister hands of Saul, the persecutor. Dear friend in the Lord, our lives are in the hands of God therefore Jesus Christ, our saviour can deliver us from the schemes of evildoers or enemies. Beloved in the Lord, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Again, we must always remember Paul’s admonishment when He wrote that “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:19-21). In other words, with Jesus Christ our saviour in our lives, it is not our duty to fight those who hate and persecute us, let us love and live at peace with all, leaving our adversaries or enemies in the hands of Jesus Christ, our saviour. We must remember to pray for their salvation just as Saul was saved when he was on his way to persecute the Christians at Damascus. Let us be greatly encouraged that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). Everyone includes the repentant sinners. Sometimes we may become angry and filled with bitterness when we are treated unjustly or persecuted for devoting our lives Christ. We must not be tempted to pray malicious prayers or harbour evil in our hearts against those who persecute us but like Jesus, learn to pray “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

In summary, we have discovered that Jesus can deliver us from the hands of our enemies or those who persecute us on account of our faith. We are greatly encouraged to pray for the salvation of those who persecute the church. Shalom.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, empower us to endure persecution even as we pray for the repentance and salvation of the enemies of the Church. Amen.