Early Christians would hide in caves like these to flee persecution.
Throughout this last week I have read an article by a well-known Jewish leader speaking out on behalf of persecuted Christians. I have viewed a video from an Iraqi news program of a Moslem commentator, breaking down in tears as he reported about the destruction of the Christian community in that country. And I have read a statement by the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul to the western nations, reporting on the exodus of Christians from their ancient homelands and warning the West to take strong measures against ISIS because they are enemies of freedom and values.
Reading these pieces I could not help but ask…
- “Where are the voices of well-known Evangelical & Reformed leaders about these atrocities?”
- “Where is the call to contact our governing officials about this situation that is so loud during debates over abortion and homosexuality. (Surely, the eradication of an ancient Christian people is as troublesome as these other issues.)
- “Do most Evangelical and Reformed Christians feel a burden to pray for these people? Do I feel the necessary burden to pray for them? Or have I forgotten the words of the Apostle Paul in Gal.6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
- Are we, protestant Christians, mostly silent because these persecuted brethren do not come from the same tradition as we?
- Are we somewhat silent because we take for granted that these things must happen in the context of God’s divine plan throughout history?
- Are we skeptical of the news accounts, knowing that many supposed atrocities do not turn out to be as horrific as they are sometimes reported?
Although some exaggerations of atrocities have been publicized recently, it is well documented that…
- Christian schools have been bombed by Islamists in southern Sudan
- Young Christian boys and girls have been kidnapped and other Christians have been murdered in Nigeria by Boko Haram
- Christians, as well as Shia Muslims, have been crucified, beheaded, and oppressed by ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
- Al Shabaab terrorists from Somalia have forced Christians from their homes and attacked predominantly Christian towns in Kenya in their ongoing program of religious persecution
As we think on these issues it is good to remember that…
- Whether religious leaders speak out on these matters is not as important as the sense of unity all Christians must feel toward one another. As St. Paul wrote in 1Cor.12:26, “If one member suffers, all suffer together.” Therefore, let us not wait for celebrated figures to speak out before we are moved to action.
- We live in a society that permits its citizens to peacefully petition its government. I would encourage us all to take advantage of that opportunity and write a short note to our representatives requesting relief for these persecuted people.
- We must pray for our persecuted brethren! This is the most important thing we can do. After all, it is God alone who controls the destinies of men and nations. Let us take our first petitions to Him who cares more for His people than all the powers of the world.
- We can pray that even this bloodshed will serve to spread the kingdom of Christ. As the early Church Father, Tertullian, aptly said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Let’s pray that this current suffering would not be in vain.
- Jesus has other sheep that are not of the Reformed flock. Let us keep our hearts open to the trials of all those who name the name of Christ so that we might pray diligently for their deliverance.
- Although the forward march of history falls out according to God’s decree, He ordains the means as well as the result of His plan. Therefore, we should see ourselves as a part of God’s grand design and know that “for such a time as this” we were brought to his kingdom and can work on behalf of our brothers.
- Caution and calmness, in regard to reports that we hear, is always helpful if we are to pray and act in a manner consistent with the truth.
As the pastor of Grace & Peace Presbyterian Church I am writing to encourage us, as the Church family, to faithfully pray for our eastern brothers and sisters at this time. Repent of our past failures to do so. And seek other ways to alleviate their suffering, whether by petitioning our own magistrates, by giving to various relief agencies that work in the area, or other means that God might bring to our attention.
May God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- Pastor’s June Book Selection - June 3, 2023
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