Experiencing Persecution (Matthew 5:1-12; Acts 7:51-8:4)
Listen.November 2nd, 2008
Rev. Dr. Craig A. Wagner
Introduction:
When I sign up for something I want to know what I’m getting into. Perhaps you feel the same way? Just the other day I received an offer for a credit card. This is the kind of credit card that is coupled with a major airline, so that a person can receive airline miles with the use of the card. In fact, if I accepted their offer, I could immediately receive 25,000 miles. Great offer! But I like to read the fine print on the reverse side of the paper. For the privilege of using this card I would have to pay $50 a year and it comes with an annual interest rate of 14.99% variable. If one missed a payment or was late, the default APR could go as high as 28.99%. All of this so that I can receive miles that I may never even use! I don’t like surprises. Rather, I want to know what it is that I’m getting myself into.
This morning our Living the Mission emphasis focuses upon the subject of knowing what we are getting into as Christian people. For many people believing in Jesus is all about heaven after death and about the blessings that God has for us as we live out our life on earth. If this is our thinking and the focus of our faith, perhaps we didn’t see the fine print that reminds us when Jesus claims us as his people, we may well experience difficulties, oppression and even persecution. Today, we look a bit closer at the whole subject of experiencing persecution.
Stephen’s experience
Stephen’s story goes from a high of doing great wonders and signs in Jesus’ name to the point of being the first Christian martyr. We remember that Stephen was one of those seven who were chosen to wait on tables and to serve in the distribution of the aid for the Hellenist widows. We also read that he was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do great wonders and signs among the people. We are not told what these are, nor are we given any specifics, but we know that many people were added to company of believers during those early days. Then trouble began to develop. Some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen began to argue to Stephen. The men belonging to the synagogue of the Freedmen were liberated descendents of the Jews who had been taken as slaves to Rome by Pompey. These people accused Stephen of blasphemy.
Stephen responds to their charges with a lengthy speech containing 30 citations from the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible (the Septuagint). We recall from our Adult Education time that this was the Bible of the early Christians. Interestingly, the speech that Stephen gave actually did not speak directly to the charge of blasphemy. In fat, there was nothing blasphemous in it.
However, when at the end of the speech he referred to the accusers as “stiff-necked” people, they became angry! Then his next response had those Freedmen holding their hands over their ears. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit proclaimed, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” This enraged the hearers to the point of mob action. They dragged him to the edge of a cliff, threw him off and when the fall failed to kill him, they proceeded to pick up rocks and hurl them upon Stephen.
Stephen was the first person put to death for his faith in Christ. I wonder if he were aware of the gravity of his words and the anger that could arise in the hearts of those opposed to Jesus? As Luke relates this story of Stephen, it appears he has Jesus’ story in his mind.
In Luke’s view, Stephen kept the law even in the long speech there was nothing that the listeners would have found offensive. Only when he mentioned Jesus as the Son of Man did the listeners become angry and greatly agitated. They leveled the same accusation at Stephen as Jesus’ accusers leveled at him. The crowd in both cases demanded death and in the deaths both Jesus and Stephen prayed for forgiveness for their enemies.
I doubt Stephen expected this reaction to his faith and his proclamation. Yet, Jesus taught his followers in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5); “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.” And then, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in the kingdom of the heavens.” And so it was for Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Our experience with persecution
In our country today the experience of persecution is quite different than for Stephen and the early Christ followers. Yet, I suggest that we are persecuted in different ways, but with decisions that are similar to Stephen’s. We are called on to make decisions for Christ in ways that are not always popular; ways that may make a difference in our lives. Are we prepared and do we choose Jesus first?
When Christ claims us as his person our lives are to be lived differently and with different priorities than those who are not believers. Perhaps this means that we may be ridiculed for being “overly righteous” or being a “religious fanatic.” Yet, we find that when we take seriously Jesus call into discipleship, our lives are changed and our actions, words and lifestyle depict and reflect Jesus. Sometimes we find non-believers are apathetic when it comes to faith oriented people and principles and morals. It’s as though Christ centered individuals and their opinion do not count, or at least mean anything. And so the church does not enjoy an elevated position. And many of us have discovered that the choices we make based upon faith and loyalty and obedience to Christ have consequences; perhaps being tossed of the sports team that meets on Sunday morning (no one else seems to care!) Perhaps it might mean not being with certain friends because of what they are doing or because of their point of view. Choices that reflect Christ are not always popular.
One time in a restaurant, I observed a table near me. There were four adults seated at the table. As they left the restaurant one couple said to the other that they would meet them after church on Sunday. The other couple said laughing, “Well, pray for us!” It was understood that worship was not in their lifestyle and that flippant remark showed a couple that didn’t take seriously the faith of the couple who would be in worship on Sunday morning!
On another level Christ followers and the church of Jesus Christ are dealing with religious pluralism in our country. We all want to be so politically correct that we function as though all religions are equally valid and possess equal truth. After all, we are told again and again, we all worship the same God and are all striving for the same thing. This thought contradicts everything Jesus stood for. It waters down our faith and Christ’s exclusive claims for our lives go unheard. And when we hear them we are surprised because we live in such an age of relativism.
Certainly we need to respect others, but we dare not abandon our faith in Jesus. In fact, more than ever we need an intellectually robust faith in Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by him!”
We need to confess that Jesus is Lord. It means something – not simply a heavenly reward but a challenge for living right now! We are challenged to live life reflecting Jesus right now: in our life priorities, in the stewardship of our gifts, abilities and finances. Jesus claims all of us! This could mean that we will experience persecution. It may mean that we need to repent and allow the spirit to convict us of the importance of faith in Christ for now and forever. Disciples live in Christ and are guided by him.
Surprising mission
Following Stephen’s martyrdom the church was scattered. The early Christians were being persecuted. They were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Driven by persecution expansion was occurring. Those early Christians would have been surprised at the way in which Jesus command was being fulfilled; “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28). Yet as they were scattered the word was spread and the community of Christ grew.
They took the challenge and they took seriously that they were children of God, disciples of the Christ. Their faith made it possible to endure the persecution and even to die for their faith. They knew the power of Christ and his word. They understood that nothing was more important than faith in Christ and sharing that promise of new life with others…even life undergoing persecution. The vision of Stephen gave them comfort and hope: Jesus standing and welcoming him into the kingdom of the heavens. Jesus is standing – not just sitting on a throne - and welcoming with him with open arms.
God’s grace, love and peace are ours for all eternity in Jesus Christ. His love endures forever. In the midst of uncertain times, in the midst of apathetic views toward faith, in the midst of difficulty and oppression comes the good news of Jesus. Remain faithful and may our lives reflect the importance of discipleship whatever life throws at us.
Conclusion
Today in India there is great violence against Christians. This is in the eastern state of Orissa. Christians are being forced to abandon their faith in exchange for their safety. The attacks are widening across the country. Thirty people have been killed, 3,000 homes burned, and over 130 churches destroyed. The persecution continues throughout the world. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Your reward will be great in the kingdom of the heavens.” What a glorious vision of the Son of Man standing with open arms welcoming his people. May the Spirit strengthen us that we may be found faithful! Amen.