Many people are being martyred for their faith these days. Most recently, Christians died when their church was bombed in the Middle East. What do Christians do when the government persecutes Christianity or looks the other way when another religion does? We know from chapter thirteen in Paul’s letter to the Romans that government at its best protects our freedom to proclaim the good news. We submit to good government, pay our taxes, pray for our leaders and say the truth in love, sharing God’s good news. But what about when the government opposes the gospel? What then?
John envisions a powerful ruler called the beast. Empowered by the dragon, the beast overcomes a wound, then ascends to power in the adulation of the multitudes. The beast blasphemes against God, wages war against his people and rules the earth. Non-Christians worship this ruler. When the foundations are shaken, what do the righteous do? Here is the heart of Revelation: God’s people patiently and faithfully endure. Remember that Revelation was originally read by people who were facing an oppressive Roman government which imprisoned and slaughtered Christians. John encourages them to endure faithfully.
We should not be surprised that Christians face trials and struggles in this world. The preachers who told us that we would all be healthy, wealthy and wise if we follow Jesus were not getting their message from the New Testament. Good people suffer around the world every day. In our city good friends battle with grievous personal losses. How will we ever survive? In the sufficiency of God’s grace we wait for God and we endure. How can we possibly stay under the load? God is with us. This life is not the end of our story. We win in the end!
