Christians’ church would be persecuted prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Some believers would lose their lives to the persecutions, but the horrifying event would only happen for a limited time – and nothing will go uncounted for. Christ will rescue his saints, and those who died for the sake of his name would be resurrected to experience eternal life with him. John described his revelation,
“Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, “Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers. But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months” (Revelation 11:1-2).
Lesson:
Children of God will suffer persecution and oppression on earth for the sake of their faith in Jesus Christ, but they will reap the rewards of their faith in heaven. Christ will wipe tears off their faces; he will decorate them with beauty and honor. Christ’s believers who remain steadfast with unshifted faith will not only receive special treatments of God, but they will also receive the gift of eternal life. God will crown them, and they will be his princes and princesses. Hence, the price of steadfast Christianity!
Prayer:
Dear God, please grant me the grace and power to faithfully serve you throughout the days of my life. Help me to remain immovable during adversity; let me remain confident with the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, and proclaim undeniable faith that will glorify your name. Please let your Holy Spirit empower me to remain fit for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Let me remain rapturable! For in the name of your Son Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.