Year of Realization - Day 75: Those who had reason to fear, will become the feared.

“And all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai. For Mordecai had been promoted in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces as he became more and more powerful.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Until recently, most people in the West were unfamiliar with religious persecution in terms of being a Christian. Indeed, for a long time, Christianity was nearly synonymous with many nations, including our own. However, in recent days, with the news coverage from all over the world, we know about the atrocities being perpetrated against Christians in Nigeria, China, Pakistan, and many other nations. Additionally, we have seen our own country fall under the leadership of those who seem to despise true Christianity.

From an early age I heard stories of people dying for their faith in Jesus Christ. The people I heard about were the people of my father, the Armenians. Armenia was the first nation to embrace Christianity and to rule under the cross of Christ. Tragically, over 1,500,000 Armenians were slaughtered under the Ottoman rule by the Turks. Indeed, the Armenian genocide is considered the first genocide of the 20th century.

I remember one story in particular my father told of an uncle who was starved and then forced to drink a large amount of water. In front of his family, they bashed open his swollen belly with the commentary: “This is what Jesus will get you.”

The stories of atrocities could go on and on; but the focus of this kind of horror must be on Jesus and what these people were willing to endure for His sake.

People may question why the Lord allows events like this. The fact is, we live in a fallen world where abuse, rejection, torture, and death, have been—and will be—inextricably connected to serving the Lord.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Lord warned that this world would often be a very hostile place for the true Christian. But He also reminded us that we are in very good company.

““If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our opening scripture we see that the Jews are victorious over those who sought to destroy them. And, Mordecai—the former object of distain and an evil plot—is now feared because of his rise to power.

Remember, suffering for Christ is an honor. Being rejected because of Him is a compliment. And, not only will the faithful reign eternally with our Lord, we often see that in this life, there can be a sudden change in the power dynamic, benefiting God’s people.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization