Daily Devotional for Monday, April 8

Paul the Persecuted

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention,” 1 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.

One of the most gifted speakers in Christian history was John Chrysostom. John was sent from Antioch to what was then Constantinople where he preached fearlessly in the capital of the Eastern Roman empire. His denunciation of the lavish extravagance of the rich, ruling class and his condemnation of excess infuriated many, including Empress Eudoxia, who arranged for him to be exiled.

When he was told of his fate, Chrysostom responded: “What can I fear? Will it be death? But you know that Christ is my life, and that I shall gain by death. Will it be exile? But the earth and all its fullness is the Lord’s. Will it be the loss of wealth? But we brought nothing into the world, and can carry nothing out. Thus all the terrors of the world are contemptible in my eyes, and I smile at all its good things. Poverty I do not fear. Riches I do not sigh for. Death I do not shrink from” (Source: New Testament Illustrations, William Jones).

Far too many today are more worried about what people think than about what God thinks. The desire not to offend others (which is not a bad thing in itself) is often elevated to be the most important thing. As a result, many shrink from speaking the truth. Heroes of the faith such as Paul and Chrysostom faced harsh persecution yet preached boldly no matter the circumstance.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
You and I can overcome any social discomfort or fear to preach the gospel. When in doubt, consider our forefathers in the faith who preached in the face of such perils.

Steven Ridings