Comparing scripture with scripture we get to learn more of the acts and ways of our God. For today, let us compare and relate 

Psalm 27:1-3

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3 (KJV)

with John 18:4-10 (in this account of church and state (political ruler) coming to arrest the Lord).

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. John 18:4-10 (KJV)

The question: what is the expected response of the called to persecution when there is no place of escape?

From our quoted scriptures above, such response must draw from the knowledge and assurance that we are safe in His will even when death stares us in the face. It certainly is not time to resort to the arms of the flesh; they don’t work the righteousness of God (John 18:19; Matthew 26:51-54), rather it is the time that our ingrained confession draws from reliance upon Romans 8:31-36, remembering that in love and suffering, He gave us all things even in the face of apparent death in the flesh. Fear must be replaced with faith (Matthew 10:28), and we fear God over human threats (1 Peter 3:14-18).

But even if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you will have the joyful experience of the blessing of God. And don’t be intimidated or terrified by those who would terrify you. But give reverent honor in your hearts to the Anointed One and treat him as the holy Master of your lives. And if anyone asks about the hope living within you, always be ready to explain your faith with gentleness and respect. Maintain a clean conscience, so that those who slander you for living a pure life in Christ will have to lie about you and will be ashamed because of their slander. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is in God’s plan, than for doing evil. Christ suffered and died for sins once and for all—the innocent for the guilty —to bring you near to God by his body being put to death and by being raised to life by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:14-18 TPT

So where is the place for fighting back, for self-sought justice or vengeance?There are lessons to learn from Hebrews 10:32-39 (see NLT and TPT versions); no complaining, no jumping of the ship, for if we turn back, He has no pleasure in us.

Don’t you remember those days right after the Light shined in your hearts? You endured a great marathon season of suffering hardships, yet you stood your ground. And at times you were publicly and shamefully mistreated, being persecuted for your faith; then at other times you stood side by side with those who preach the message of hope. You sympathized with those in prison and when all your belongings were confiscated you accepted that violation with joy; convinced that you possess a treasure growing in heaven that could never be taken from you. So don’t lose your bold, courageous faith, for you are destined for a great reward! You need the strength of endurance to reveal the poetry of God’s will and then you receive the promise in full. For soon and very soon, “The One who is appearing will come without delay!” And he also says, “My righteous ones will live from my faith. But if fear holds them back, my soul is not content with them!” But we are certainly not those who are held back by fear and perish; we are among those who have faith and experience true life! Hebrews 10:32-39 TPT

Who can of his own willpower do this? Our earnest prayer must be “O Lord, help me not fail You, help me to conquer that inbuilt response to fight back and seek vengeance when my “rights,” “properties” are trampled upon when doing what is right in Your eyes.” This is ground to conquer in our lives individually.

As the challenges of the year unfold from unjust and excessive taxation to blatant wastage of resources that are sorely needed to relieve the poor and the needy, remember the cause that triggered so much hatred for tax collectors, pray the Lord for strength, courage and goodness of heart to love as Jesus loved you. Selah.




Pastor Afolabi Oladele