Persecution

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the people slaughtered because of God's word and the testimony they had. They cried out with a loud voice: "Lord, the One who is holy and true, how long until You judge and avenge our blood from those living on the earth?" So a white robe was given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little while longer until the number would be completed of their fellow slaves and their brothers, who were going to be killed just as they had been. Revelation 6:9-11

The first martyrs   began with Stephen, these were they who were persecuted by the Jews. These were avenged by the Romans. Yet the next lot, those under the altar were those persecuted by the Romans. There were others to join them, perhaps they are still joining them as persecution continues throughout the earth.

The martyred rightly ask: "how long on Lord?" They know that their God will avenge them, and rightly so.

Do you feel unjustly treated, perhaps you are persecuted for your faith. Does the persecution stretch you, cause you to question? Do you wonder how long you must endure?

In all that I experience in this life I remind myself of eternity, it goes forever and ever. The unjust, the cruel tyrant will not inhabit the same place. There will not be any more crying or suffering. Eternity is our time to be with the One we love. How do I handle persecution? How do I handle the stress put upon my faith? My handling of the now determines my eternity. What do I want in eternity? I want closeness with my Lord, I want to have constant fellowship with Him and those who have overcome. Do you?

Don't let yourself become offended with The Lord or His people. Allow Him to rule and reign even when you do not understand the why. Amen!