July 10, 2019 -- John 14:18-19 -- Does the world hate you?

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own;

but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,

therefore the world hates you.

John 14:18-19 ESV

To whom are you accommodating your words and actions and behaviour? If you are trying to be more and more like the world, the devil would have no reason to threaten you and tempt you from this path of destruction. If you are trying to be more and more like Jesus, walking in obedience to His Word in the power of His Spirit, the world will hate you. Do not be surprised by the onslaught of troubled heaped up against you by the world.

So, the first issue is this—follow Jesus Christ. Know that the consequence of obedience to Jesus will be hatred by the people of this world. They will question you, mock you, and find you bewildering. They will try to undercut you at work. They will speak evil behind your back, or perhaps to your face. Christians around our world are facing: job loss, imprisonment, death, daughters being kidnapped and married off in order to force their renunciation of Christianity. Closer to home, those who are masquerading as Christians will be exposed as frauds when they tell you “tone it down” or “stop being so radical for Jesus, you are causing a scene.”

Then notice Jesus’ words of great assurance: “I chose you out of the world.” If we are out of step with the world, it is a blessing to know that Jesus chose us. If we are privileged to suffer for Him that means by His Word and His Spirit He will give us the strength and the grace we need to withstand the hatred of the world. When we fail and recognize our failings, Jesus will also intercede with the Father on our behalf, pleading His sacrifice to cover our sins. And His righteousness to be applied in the place of our sinfulness. What a glorious Saviour.

If today is a particularly tough day, know the Jesus is praying for you. Remember Your Father in heaven is guarding you as the apple of His eye. Find a Christian friend to pray with if things are difficult. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you, He has chosen you as His own.

King Jesus, thank You for the protection You give: Your cleansing blood, Your righteousness and Your prayers on our behalf at the Father’s right hand in heaven. Armed with such beautiful knowledge and deep assurance, give us the bold confidence we need to be Your representatives in this world. Give us the quietness of spirit and peace to see others around us who might be struggling in their faith and in Your precious Name, Captain of Salvation, may we stalwart encouragers and prayer warriors on their behalf. Amen.