February 23, 2000
LIFE & WORK SERIES:
Even during persecution, God still is in control
___Revelation 4:2-3; 6:9-11; 7:9,13-17
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT, Dallas
___"Why do bad things happen to good people?" You may have tried to answer that, or similar questions, for someone close to you.
___"Why did God let this happen? Why did God not intervene?" Some might interpret questions like these demonstrating a lack of faith. But as you look at the circumstances which are the backdrop of these heart cries, you realize they are usually honest questions rising from the awareness of God's power mixed with confusion as to why he does notseem to be acting.
___We see a similar question in Revelation 6:10. "How long, sovereign Lord, ... until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" An honest question asked of the Lord is a prayer. Prayer, very simply, is an expression of faith that he is listening.
___God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Looking into the Revelation allows us to see aspects of God's character and understand his response.
___First, God is in control. He was on his throne in Psalm 11, and he still is on his throne in Revelation 4:2. He has not given up his position of authority.
___Second, God sticks to his plan. People had been slain in the early period of the tribulation "for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held" (Revelation 6:9). They asked about God's timetable for justice. The Lord clothed them in white robes, raiment of his design, and asked that they be patient. He had not overlooked their pain nor forgotten the wickedness they had endured. He asked them to trust him. He was working his plan.
___Third, God must punish evil. God's righteousness stands in opposition to sin. His compassion wants to forgive. But his holiness demands a response to sin not covered by the blood of his Son (Revelation 6:15-17).
___Finally, God will provide for the needs of his children. Those in the white robes are now a multitude no one can number. God will "spread his tent over them," taking care of every need (7:15-17).
___We can take these four truths about God's character and activity and apply them to today. Martyrdom is at its peak in our world. Nearly twice as many Christians have been put to death for their faith in this last century as in the 19 before. We are just beginning to be touched by this epidemic of evil here in the United States. In many countries of the world, governments and/or religious leadership are instigating or condoning the murder of Christians. The International Mission Board reported that radical Muslims have killed tens of thousands of Christians in Sudan in accordance with the government's policy of forcing Islam on the Sudanese people. We must pray for brothers and sisters facing daily persecution. The Spirit is in position to release God's power in response to our prayers. But when evil seems to triumph, we must be patient and trust him.
___Lord, is there enough in my life to accuse me on the testimony I have held?
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