Signs of His Coming[1]: Persecution Ps 78:37–55; Isaiah 7:11–17; Romans 15:14–20; Matthew 10:1–25
Introduction[2] https://youtu.be/17YkEJh_V10
We saw last week that our existence as the people of God is the primary apocalyptic sign of Christ’s Victory in the world (Rev 12:1ff.), and as such, the Church will be persecuted, just as her Husband was (John 15:18; 17:14). This is prophetically decreed and will continue right up until the time of the Lord’s Return. As we heard in today’s Gospel reading, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” (Matt 10:23). The only safe and secure refuge for the people of God in an age in which, to quote Jesus again, we will be “hated by all nations for my name’s sake” (Matt 24:9), is the Lord himself[3]. This is a potent truth few Australian Christians want to deal with. A few years ago, a Christian famous for his brilliant intellectual defence of the faith[4] was invited to speak at the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast here in Perth[5]. When the tickets sold out in record time one of the organisers rang me concerned that people were following the reputation of the man, rather than seeking the lord himself. Without denying this as a factor I saw this as a sign of the times when many believers[6] are worried about persecution and are seeking to bolster their own faith. Whilst none of us enjoy conflict such reactions expose the deep spiritual sickness of contemporary Western Christianity[7]. If Jesus said of his own death, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:26)[8], and if the Lord communicated to the newly converted Paul, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:16), and if the same apostle writes towards the end of his life, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12), then some form of persecution[9] that is indispensable to Christian maturity. This is the heart of our Gospel reading from Matthew 10 today.
Matt 10:1-25
Jesus is the sending out of the disciples with authority to, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” (vv.1,8). In other words, the message of the disciples will be accompanied by signs of the kingdom of God breaking in from the heavenly world[10] to touch and heal our broken world[11]. The stakes of this mission could not be higher. What sort of response should they anticipate in their travels?
“And if the house (you enter) is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet[12] when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.” (vv.13-15). If God’s “peace”/shalom encompasses everything human beings need for wholeness and prosperity of life to withhold God’s “peace” is to withhold the good fruit that salvation brings (Numbers 6:24-26; Ps 35:27; 73:3; Isa 9:7 etc.). It is a very scary thing that we see this happening with increasing intensity all around us. I recently wrote in an article, “As the name of Jesus is driven out of our culture, like with “Happy Holidays” replacing “Merry Christmas”, the more we will witness psychological distress escalating amongst youngsters trapped within themselves in depression and anxiety. When God’s peace in Christ[13] has been rejected such suffering is inevitable. Jesus introduces “Sodom and Gomorrah” to shock his audience because these cities long ago destroyed by fire from heaven (Gen 19:23) for two notorious sins, aggressive sexual immorality (Gen 19) and a gross failure to show hospitality to the poor and needy (Ezek 16:49-50). Jesus is warning of a more severe condemnation on those who reject the greater revelation of the gospel even though they had a greater opportunity for repentance[14]. If we believed these things in our hearts, would it change our lives…? Jesus goes on to speak of persecution because proclaiming him and suffering for it are inseparable.
When he sends us out as “sheep in the midst of wolves” (v.16) we are totally unable to defend ourselves[15]. The Good Shepherd confident of resurrection life can send his flock out amongst predators.[16] Given the outcome of Christ’s own life we should not be surprised that his focus does not fall on the impending brutal unjust treatment that will be meted out by courts and rulers[17] but in the opportunity this gives to “bear witness before them” (vv.17-18). When Jesus prophesies his disciples will be “handed over” (10:4, 17, 19, 21) he uses the word generally applied in the Gospels to his own “betrayal” (10:4; 11:22; 20:18; 2:2, 24, 4 etc.). This means that our destiny to be persecuted is intimately tied to their oneness with our suffering Lord. I recall hearing the testimony of an Australian pastor who back in the days when Christians were being actively persecuted in the Soviet Union, an Australian pastor sensed a call of God to go there and minister to the Church. Fear and anxiety gripped his soul about what might happen to him[18]. Then in a garden retreat on his last stop before Moscow he found himself walking the Stations of the Cross, which we have around our walls[19]. Gradually he sensed a transformation going on in his own soul, so that by the time he headed off to Russia he knew it would be an honour to suffer for Jesus[20].
Jesus can never throw us to the wolves without being with us through supernatural enablement[21]. “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (vv.19-21). Like Jesus prosecuted before the Jewish council and Pilate oppressed Christians will move in the Father’s Spirit of prophecy[22] . It is natural, but an expression of unbelief, when we conjure up in our minds imaginary scenarios where people will oppose our testimony to Jesus, and we will be left stuck for words. Anxiety is the devil’s greatest weapon against evangelism and it is nothing but the deception of a lying spirit (Luke 12:11-12; 21:13-15; John 16:1-11). Jesus’ promise of “the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” is vital, tender, loving and powerful[23].
A friend of mine was once arrested by the authorities in China for public evangelism. When interrogated by an expert sent down from Beijing about why he was sharing Jesus, the Lord indeed gave the wisdom of a serpent and the innocence of a dove (Matt 10:16). He honestly explained he had come all the way to China because he loved the Chinese as it was a Chinese man who had first shared Jesus with him and had brought him to Christ. As Jesus promised, the interrogator did not know what to say (Cf. Matt 22:46; Luke 20:26; Acts 7:57). On the one side we have a fear of consequences, on the other side the promises of Jesus. Seen this way the relative paralysis of the Church in mission doesn’t add up. Jesus goes on to describe what is surely the most emotionally wrenching sort of persecution.
“Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,” (v.21) My sister used to say about family ties, “There’s nothing thicker than blood.” How then can we “endure to the end” (v.22) when blood turns against blood?[24] Jesus has already given us the key for such an awful time. The Spirit of the Father means the presence of the God who has created every family bond[25], the presence of God’s Spirit is how our hearts can be “held together” at a level deeper than the deepest human bonds[26]. The Lord’s words, “you will be hated by all[27] for my name’s sake” (v.22) brings a revelatory experience we all desperately need. The irrational persecution to which the followers of Jesus are exposed at so many levels[28] isn’t directed against us personally, demonic powers[29] incite the guilty consciences of lost people to feel something of the power of final judgement and so they strike out against God’s witnesses on earth[30]. Never try to make sense of the hostility to which you are exposed for your profession of faith. Jesus said, “now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 …their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” (John 15:24-25). Always pray that people will be released from the powers of evil controlling them, but never try to “make sense” of the evil[31].
I recall when some people became intensely angry at me, but the Spirit said, “They aren’t really angry with you, they are angry with me.” My concern is that many believers are so broken and self-focussed today they are taking the rise of anti-Christian sentiment too personally. There is however an unsurpassable spiritual intimacy in all this that must not escape us.
“When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul [Satan], how much more the members of his household!” (10:23-25). There will be no secure refuge for the Church from persecution[32] until Jesus returns, simply because there is an unbreakable communion between Jesus and his Church[33]. Remember how Saul/Paul was on his way to terrorise the Church in Damascus[34] when the Lord shone a heavenly light on him. The terrified persecutor then heard these incredibly profound words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5).
Conclusion
Very few Australian Christians believe in evil in the way that countless persecuted followers of Jesus have experienced it. Sheltered from the realm of persecution[35] as a necessary sign of the coming End of the world we struggle to be moved to pray, fast, read the Bible deeply and send out missionaries to the ends of the world. We need a deeper connection with Jesus to heal our spiritual stupor (Eph 5:14; Rom 13:11). Jesus understands[36] that the way in which his disciples can come to deep inner maturity is to be persecuted for his sake[37]. In the wise plan of God persecution is inevitable because it is indispensable to his image in the Church (Eph 3:21).
Praying early the other morning the Lord started to open up a dimension of the indispensability of opposition to the gospel that I have hardly considered before. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:11-12). Persecution is a sign of our righteousness in Christ[38]. Persecuted Christians are blessed (1 Pet 4:14) because to be opposed for the sake of the Son of God is be immersed in the same Fatherly favour in which Christ lived[39]. Afflictions suffered for the Lord (2 Cor 1:4ff.) are end-time signs of being chosen by God in grace (Phil 1:29) to inhabit a space of no-condemnation (Rom 5:1; 8:1)[40].Through heaven sent oppression[41] God preaches the gospel to the Church. Paul is adamant, “not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Phil 1:28-29). Does this mean the Australian Church must[42] enter a period of persecution?
Evidence is everywhere that our society has been handed over by God (Rom 1:24, 26, 28) to an ever-intensifying irrationality whereby people, especially younger people[43], are obsessed with gender and sexuality[44]. [People are increasingly in love with themselves in the most intimate and personal ways.] Anyone who stands in the way of this cultural revolution will be branded a villain[45]. Anyone entering into the public arena, including social media[46], who expects neutral or rational conversation is likely to be disappointed[47]. The progressive marginalisation of the Church in Western society should be seen as part of a long-term plan of God to bring us spiritual revival. Part of the cost of discipleship[48] is to accept that society will become more and more angry with the Church as it moves away from being a pillar of the the status quo and is increasingly filled with the Spirit of Jesus. We are the concentration point in this world of the presence of the one who “will come again to judge the living and the dead” (Nicene Creed). We are the principal sign that the world to which we do not belong (John 15:19; 17:16) is moving towards an End so that we must expect both intensifying persecution and an intensifying presence of power of God[49]. Jesus promised, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands[50], with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 29-30). Can we believe this promise and commit our lives totally to it? If we so commit we will be able to present Jesus’ love to a perishing world, if we cannot, we will gradually cease to exist[51].
[1] This is the second in our series on “Signs of the End”. Since Jesus himself is the “omega/end” (Rev 22:13), all signs of Christ are now signs of the End (cf. Acts 2:17; Heb 1:2 etc.).
[2] Last week I emphasised that even though the current pandemic is an apocalyptic sign sent from heaven very few people receive it as a revelation of the divine nature (cf. Rom 1:18-23). This is consistent with humanity’s rejection of the sign from heaven (Luke 2:34-35)., Jesus himself, though he was given to the world as the eternal bedrock which will never pass away (Matt 7:24-27; Matt 16:16-18), whilst heaven and earth will pass away (Matt 24:35), he was a sign rejected by those in authority at the time. Jesus is “the stone that the builders rejected” (Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:6-7) but whom God has appointed as the foundation of his new and eternal house, the cosmic temple of the Church.
[3] I take it that “the wilderness” (Rev 12:14) where the people of God are cared for as Satan seeks to destroy them, are the conditions of God’s spiritual presence described in the rest of the book of Revelation.
[4] This was Ravi Zacharias.
[5] For its breadth of appeal, with lots of business folk, representatives of educational institutions, politicians, church leaders etc, this is arguably the premier annual Christian event in WA.
[6] Especially from the conservative side of the Church. For example, when Israel Folau was sacked the membership of the Australian Christian Lobby doubled.
[7] Which shares in fact with what Jesus prophesied about the state of the unsaved, “people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:26).
[8] Cf. ““The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”” (Luke 9:22).
[9] A form that must be sovereignly decided by Jesus himself.
[10] Following the prayer, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt 6:10).
[11] This is essentially what Paul is referring to when he speaks of “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.” (2 Cor 12:12 cf. Rom 15:15-20).
[12] Which in context is to treat fellow Israelites as “spiritual Gentiles” outside the covenant of God.
[13] “Peace” is ultimately sharing in Jesus’ relationship with the Father in the Spirit, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).
[14] The relationship between knowledge, responsibility and divine punishment is expounded by Jesus: “And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48).
[15] To ignore this truth because of access to wealth has, via the American Church, destroyed much of the reputation of global Evangelicalism.
[16] Which is what Jesus says in the context of his Good Shepherd teaching, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”” (John 10:17-18). Similarly, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant equip you…” (Heb 13:20).
[17] Their “scourging” (10:17; 23:34), connects with the treatment of Jesus (20:19; 27:26)
[18] These were the days when believers were being arrested, medicated with antipsychotics and held in insane asylums.
[19] The “Stations of the Cross” are visual representations of Jesus’ journey to Golgotha.
[20] “and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.” (Acts 5:40-41).
[21] This is contained in the commission, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21).
[22] “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26); “the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10).
[23] Perhaps this promise of the revelation of the Father in the Spirit under persecution holds a key to healing the “orphan spirit” plaguing the Australian Church. I.e., no persecution no revelation of the Father.
[24] It is said of Jesus, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” (John 1:11), the next verse shows this to be a context of kinship. See also, “For not even his brothers believed in him.” (John 7:5).
[25] “I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” (Eph 3:14-15).
[26] Jesus endured a sort of total relational fragmentation on the cross, “My God…why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) from which he was soon delivered and perfectly healed. As such his Word and Spirit are able to hold us together whatever the circumstances of our rejection.
[27] Elsewhere he said we would be “hated by all nations for my name’s sake” (Matt 24:9). This must include Australia!
[28] From the crazed mob that stoned Stephen (Acts 7:54ff.) and that which tried to tear Paul to pieces (Acts 21:27-36).
[29] Cf. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12).
[30] But since sinners are impotent against God, they will try to destroy us.
[31] Which is why Jesus, when overwhelmed by our sin, had to cry out “My God…why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; 2 Cor 5:21). Evil is essentially chaotic and purposeless at its core.
[32] This is, at least, true on a global if not local scale. Which is certainly how we should read the apocalyptic passages like Matthew 24 and the entirety of Revelation.
[33] “But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” (1 Cor 6:17) “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body.” (Eph 5:29-30)
[34] “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1).
[35] Through the strange anomaly known as Christendom.
[36] “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.” (Heb 2:10); “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him” (Heb 5:7-9).
[37] E.g. “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 1:6-7).
[38] Not, “if we are being persecuted we must be doing something right”, but the object for the hostility is Christ’s righteousness in us, and our sin him (1 Cor 1:30).
[39] Always on his way to the cross (Matt 3:15, 17; Luke 9:31; Matt 17:5).
[40] Such afflictions deliver us from the deception that the heavenly Father could ever be angry with us!
[41] See especially, Rev 13:7, “Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them.2 And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,”. This corresponds to the dimensions of the authority of the Lamb of God (Matt 28:18).
[42] Of course the “must” of inevitability and of the “must” of indispensability are not the same things.
[43] This quote appeared in Wednesday’s West Australian (Jan 4 2022). “a lot of young people…are leaning into the spiritual space because they are wanting to tune into themselves…”(psychic coach Allira Potter)
[44] On this, do a search on “gender preferred pronouns”.
[45] On the victim/hero-perpetrator/villain axis.
[46] I know a number of devout believers who have been wildly attacked on social media for their modest statements in support of traditional Christian moral values to do with sexuality.
[47] Which is why, whilst I am generally supportive of groups like the Australian Christian Lobby and CPX, I cannot see they can reverse the cultural revolution because they are primarily rational in their approach.
[48] The title of a very famous book by theologian, prophet, martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
[49] “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” (1 Pet 4:14).
[50] I take it this refers to the sort of communal life of the Church witnessed to in the early chapters of Acts (2:42-47; 4:32-37).
[51] Viewed from the vantage point of eternity, persecution for Jesus’ sake need never to be sought but always to be received as a sign of unlimited divine favour (Acts 5:40-41).