7 JUL 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 7 JUL 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the way found there.  He wanted to bring them-both men and women- back to Jerusalem in chains.” Luke 9: 2

Take a minute to think of who some of the most cruel and evil people are today.  There are certainly people that come to mind, right?  Many of these people strike fear and anger in our hearts and minds.  They are doing things that are harsh, maybe thieves or murderers.  In our day, we remember their names like Dahmer or Bin Laden.

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the church was born and began to spread like wildfire.  So much so, that Jewish leaders began to become jealous and angry.  They tried to stop it from taking root in Jerusalem and the surrounding cities and nations.  The Jews were terrorists to the Christians of that day.  The Christians were jailed without cause, beaten, and murdered.

Where was God in all this? Remember that Jesus himself was killed on the cross to fulfill the plans of God. Jesus told his followers that they would be hated because of Him and would face persecution and some even death. (Matt. 5) Rapid multiplication comes from the blood of martyrs.  At the same time,  the enemies of God will be dealt with, in His way.  Some of them will be shown mercy and grace, and others will be shown justice.

Paul is a great example of this.  He was a Bin Laden of the day and everyone knew his name and was afraid.  But Jesus sought out Paul and made him one of his Apostles.  That encounter changed Paul and he became a fantastic instrument in the hands of God.  He went on to reach many people for the Lord and start many churches all over the Middle East.  

When we face people wicked people today in our daily lives or see dastardly people on the news, pray for them.  You never know how God may change their lives and use them for His glory to bring many to saving faith.  God may do something special in you or through you in the midst of your trials.  Take heart, God is with you.

What do you do with cruel and evil people?

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; 1 Sam. 13:19-14:15; Acts 9:1-9;  Luke. 23:26-31