SUFFERING FOR HIS NAME

Around 250 million evangelicals in 35 countries are subject to direct and hostile persecution. This is nothing new: Psalm 83 is an account of sustained hostility towards believers. The psalmist lists enemies, old and new, as he looks at the foes arrayed against God’s people now and looks back over the centuries (9–12). The psalm highlights several features of such attacks, which help us to respond appropriately.

First, at whom are the attacks directed? They are “your enemies” (2), the psalmist says to the Lord. This calls to mind the words of Jesus spoken to Saul on the road to Damascus: “Why do you persecute me?” (See Acts 9:4, 5) Hostility towards believers is an attack on the God in whom we believe. Jesus promised God’s blessing on those who are persecuted “because of me” (See Matthew 5:10,11). The psalmist also refers to “your people” (3) who are suffering as a result. For believers under hostile pressure, it is vital to know that we are cared for by the Sovereign Lord. God’s people find encouragement throughout history in the realization that we are shielded by God’s power – not immune from attacks, nor necessarily kept physically safe, but always known and cared for according to God’s good purposes. There is one other significant theme: not only will God himself be vindicated, but his enemies themselves will come to acknowledge his rule (16,18). As Paul was to declare centuries later, “every knee should bow …” (Philippians 2:10, 11).

All true believers will certainly face hostility to varying degrees, whether verbal or physical, and from mockery to martyrdom, but we can face such opposition knowing that it is the Lord’s name under attack, the Lord’s care which protects us, and the Lord’s rule which will finally be acknowledged.

The Christian family around the world is facing growing persecution. Please seek out information and pray for a family, a church, or a country where this is an everyday reality.