So it has been about 2 weeks since I finished the Ezekiel Option and my heart is still stirring.
After reading this book I found myself thinking more and more of believers around the world who are being persecuted and oppressed. In October of 2007 I had the privilege to go to Kenya and Tanzania with my Church on a Medical Missions trip. It was an awesome experience that helped this American see a glimpse of how big this world is and how many believers are serving our Lord Jesus in some very challenging situations.
As I imagine you have read or herd, Kenya recently has experienced a chaotic violence where innocent people are being killed, harmed and ran out of their homes as an angry response to a complicated and questionable Presidential Vote. No doubt this just one area of the globe where we see violence, chaos and injustices.
I love Mathew 24 as it is Christ teaching us about how to recognize the "end times" and preparing us for what to expect.
Matthew 24
Signs of Christ's Return
6"You will be hearing of (H)wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
7"For (I)nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be (J)famines and earthquakes.
8"(K)But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
9"(L)Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and (M)you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
10"At that time many will (N)fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.
11"Many (O)false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
12"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.
13"(P)But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
14"This (Q)gospel of the kingdom (R)shall be preached in the whole (S)world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
God is definitely moving in my heart to remember believers around the world in prayer. It is clear we are not to live in fear for these things must take place. My heart leads me to pray for believers around the world that they will be strong in their faith and in their witness to the world.
Pray on!
Mike
3 comments:
Thanks Mike for your article (I especially liked that part about your trips in Africa) and for your prayers. Still have to read the EzequielOptionBook...
Praying on!
Björn
I also really liked your article. I think we Christians here in America have it pretty easy and have no idea what the Christians in the rest of this world are going through. Persecution for our fellow Christians in other parts of the world is an everyday occurence. We should not forget to pray daily for their protection.
I also think that if and when persecution does come to this country many Christians will not be ready for it. My prayer is that for those of us that are still free to worship Christ we will be very thankful, and we will not lose site of the fact, that this could change very suddenly.
Curt
Thanks guys.
Farmer, Africa was an awesome experience. I was stretched in my faith and challenged in every way. Christians living in a developing country can teach us so much! The depth of their faith is amazing.
Lastly, I'm also in awe of how quickly things seem to develop or occur in the scene of World Politics.
Back in October, Kenya felt very safe. Kenyans were already very into the pre election speeches, debates, conversations and such but it was a safe place to be. Fast forward 3 months and the country is in chaos. While the issue with the election has many people to blame it is still amazing how quickly things turn in this day and age.
Mike
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