November 6, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 46
“The fury of some Christians (if they are to be called Christians) is damnable. They imagine that they are doing God a service when they persecute the Jews most hatefully, think everything evil of them, and insult them with extreme arrogance and contempt amid their pitiable misfortunes…..By the example of this cruelty they are, as it were, repelling Jews from Christianity, whereas they ought to attract them by all manner of gentleness, patience, pleading, and care.”
Martin Luther
As you know, if you know anything about history, the persecution of the Jews is nothing new. For almost their whole existence they have been mistreated because of who they are. God forewarned them of this. In Zechariah 12:1-3, God says through His prophet, The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.”
We see this happening in our own time. Despite the atrocities against Israel by terrorists in the name of a false God, people around the world gather in protest against Israel. Their cry is the destruction of Israel as a nation and even as a people.
Instead of opening our ears to the shouts of hate, however, we as Christians are called to greater things. We are called to gentleness, patience, pleading, and care. Not only for Israel but for all the victims of war. In times of strife, we are called to support those in need so that they might see the works of Christ done through His people and, one day, open their eyes to the one true faith.
In times like these, when the Jewish people face persecution, we must make a stand for what is right by offering them support in their time of trial. This goes to any who face the evil of persecution in our time. Christians should stand united in their fight against tyranny, especially when it comes in the form of terrorism against the innocent.
Today, pray for all of those around the world who face persecution for their beliefs, Christian or otherwise. Pray that peace will win, and that Christ will be proclaimed.
Our prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be instruments of Your grace and mercy, especially in times of persecution and war. Amen.
