Partners' Persecution
| We're entering our final week in our Month of Mission Series: "Partners in Mission." This week we look at the challenges and dangers of Partnering with God and each other in the Missio Dei.... |
| Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew5:11-12) |
Throughout His ministry, Jesus had prepared His disciples and would-be disciples for the persecution that might come as they witness Christ to the world.
Out of His grace, God has invited us to join him in his mission. In the Matthian account, we are reminded in the Beatitudes passage that persecution is inevitable for those who pursue righteousness. This means partners in God's mission can be persecuted. But if we hold on to our faith, unwavering, then there is a blessed assurance for us that our reward is great in Heaven.
Throughout all generations, believers have faced challenges and dangers. Prophets were persecuted for being the mouthpiece of God. Apostles were persecuted and killed, but the mission of God did not stop.
Even today, as partners in mission, we still face challenges and dangers. Lack of resources, infiltration of false teachings, leadership crisis etc. But in the midst of all difficult circumstances, we are not alone. We have God who affirms on Matthew 5:12 that "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven."
In His divine power, our sovereign God has perfect knowledge of the heavens, and that which He has prepared for those who serve him faithfully in his mission. It is not our work. It is missio-Dei- the mission of God. Like our logo, His church may burn but will never be consumed by the fire. The Holy Spirit will continue to empower us. As the old Hymn says, "Courage brother, do not stumble".
In conclusion brethren in Christ, we are saved by God's grace. He is calling us to be partners in mission even in the midst of challenges and dangers. Let us take heed of God's calling. Its not about us but him alone. Let's serve him in obedience and love. Let us not forget what Jehovah has done to humanity through Christ whom he did not spare, but gave to the world to be redeemed. Let us rejoice and be glad for our reward is great in heaven. AMEN!!
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Biggie Mususa, married to Tsitsi. We have 2 sons, Charisma and Kelvin. Serving at David Livingstone Memorial Schools and Ntabazinduna Congregation, Zimbabwe.
