Jan 17 – Wonder!

“I have become as a wonder to many, But You are my strong refuge” (Psalm 71:7)

When a person accepts Christ, he inherits the glorious blessings of the Lord. But many times, he is subjected to ridicule by the society with ever so many questions as to why he has embraced a new way? Why has he forgotten the old gods? Why is he not participating in the rituals and idol worship as per our tradition? At times, they are tormented even by their own family.

Nicolaus Copernicus – a great scientist who discovered and formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at its centre. But the generation of that day did not accept that discovery. Since it was not aligned to their religious beliefs, he was even tormented and burned alive. How pathetic!

When you come to know and accept the truth, it becomes a stumbling block for many. King David says: “I have become as a wonder to many, But You O Lord, are my strong refuge” (Psalm 71:7). When believers of the early Church accepted Christ, there was a great opposition from the religious leaders of the day – the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Scribes. The early believers were ostracised from the community and were tormented with many lashes.

Even today, we find people going through such tribulations in many villages. Many constraints and obstacles are placed on those who accept and believe in Christ. They are barred from drawing water from the common well, or work in the fields and impose many restrictions that strike at their very livelihood. There are instances where even the government subsidies are stopped.

Our Lord Jesus said: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mathew 5:11,12).

In the Scripture we read of so many believers who understood the excellence of their new creation, being unafraid of the torments and tribulations they had to face. Since they were new creations, they were not keen on aligning with this world. They were even to lay down their lives for the sake of proclaiming the Truth, faithfully.

Children of God, are you also living amid such affliction and sufferings? Do not worry, because the Lord Himself is your strong refuge.

Verse for further meditation: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18)