Thursday, June 6, 2024 - CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Day 158 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Chron. 23-25; John 16:16-33)

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

LCMS President Matthew Harrison wrote: “The 20th century was the bloodiest in Christian history with the death of tens of millions at the hands of Communist regimes. Now, we are continuously shocked by Islamic radicals persecuting and killing Christians daily in the Middle East and Africa. Meanwhile, our consciences vacillate as we sense the cultural shift in the U.S. that has produced an increasing avalanche of harassment and is likely to get much worse.”

“In this world you will have tribulation.” Jesus is warning us that life on this earth may not be peaceful. Peter warned with these words: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Not very uplifting. But wait. Jesus has something to add: “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

   1. If God Himself be for me, I may a host defy; 

For when I pray, before me My foes, confounded, fly. 

If Christ, my head and master, Befriend me from above, 

What foe or what disaster Can drive me from His love?

   4. He canceled my offenses, Delivered me from death;

He is the Lord who cleanses My soul from sin through faith.

In Him I can be cheerful, Courageous on my way;

In Him I am not fearful Of God's great Judgment Day.

   8. No danger, thirst, or hunger, No pain or poverty,

No earthly tyrant's anger Shall ever vanquish me.

Though earth should break asunder, My fortress You shall be;

No fire or sword or thunder Shall sever You from me.

   9. No angel and no gladness, No throne, no pomp, no show,

No love, no hate, no sadness, No pain, no depth or woe,

No scheming, no contrivance, No subtle thing or great

Shall draw me from Your guidance Nor from You separate.

        ("If God Himself Be for Me." LSB 724)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for overcoming sin, death and the devil by Your death on Calvary’s cross. Help me to remember that, no matter how difficult life may get for me now, because You have overcome, I too have overcome and will live with You in eternity. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf