I was going to post a cute picture of my son from the weekend for Wordless Wednesday, but then my husband showed me this video. Justin Taylor posted it on his blog (Persecution in India: These Are Your Brothers and Sisters) and I got to thinking…
While we’re concerned about the rising price of gas, fixing dinner, and what we’re going to wear…
While we’re absorbed in Twitter, Facebook, and our Google Reader…
While we’re commenting about coupons, giveaways, and blogging for money…
While we’re worried about our kids college fund, whether or not our boss likes us, and where we’re going to put the stuff we just bought at Target…
While we’re enjoying good health, worship with our family, and laughter…
This is what’s happening to our brothers and sisters in Christ:
Persecution in India: Francis’ Response from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.
One commenter had this to say, “The western church cries about healthcare, liberalism, and Obama, while these saints endure death for the Master. Who really are the followers of Jesus?“
I had to ask myself the same thing. Watching this video (and having to ignore the urge to vomit) the inevitable question came, ‘Would I be willing to do the same?’ I’d like to think so, but I’ve yet to see this suffering. It hasn’t even come close.
I have to tell you compassion and mercy aren’t my natural tendencies. If they appear it’s only because Jesus in me is compassionate and merciful. Me? My heart is a hard stone that He is continuing to mold into a heart of flesh. Even watching this I didn’t cry.
It disgusted me, but didn’t really move me–I hate saying that. I want to be moved.
But I feel this is so far away from me (and I don’t just mean physically). I have no relation to this type of suffering. I’ve been hurt, heartbroken, and lost a child, but I’ve never been beaten, bruised, and bloodied for my faith–or for anything. I’ve never had someone kick in me the back just for being a Christian.
I can’t identify with them. They know something I will, most likely, never know. They are truly being counted as knowing Christ and His sufferings. I pray, but my prayers feel so shallow to their needs. I see their faces and think what little comfort I have to offer them. I see this and the thought crosses my mind, How can God let this happen?
And I remember…
God knows their needs and I know Him.
Jesus sees their faces and knows their pain.
God allows this as He allowed His own Son to suffer beyond the point of recognition.
I’m reminded that God will not allow His people to undergo what they cannot bear with Him. So…I’ll pray. Pray for their hearts and minds to be strengthened, for their joy to be inexpressible and glorious, and for their testimony to be true. And that my heart will be softened and changed.
Will you?
Just one more comment: I’ve heard people say that persecution for Christians in America is close. That’s a laughable statement. If you begin to fear for your life, to walk outside your home, to say you believe in Jesus…then persecution may be near. For now–it’s not even close.
Videos from Voice of the Martyrs on the persecution in Orissa:
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