Hated By All Nations [Devotional]

Devotions ChopChop ^ | January 11, 2009 | Dave Miller (tenger)

[tenger]

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. Matthew 24:9

This isn’t exactly the first verse people turn to when they think of devotions. It doesn’t have the "warm, fuzzy" feel to it. However, it is an important verse in an important passage. Jesus was talking about signs at the End of the Age. Of course there will be deception, wars and rumors of wars, and other "birth pains."

As we look at the world today, we see the beginning of these birth pains (or a continuation of them). We even can envision how the world would hate Christians. One needs only look to the West Coast immediately after Proposition 8 passed (a California ballot proposition that changed the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman and eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry-from Wikipedia) to see that people are being persecuted for their faith and their stance against immorality.
Some headlines read:

• 'Gays' Call for Violence Against Christian Supporters of Prop 8
• Prop. 8 passage spawns protests, violence and vandalism
• Mob anti-Christian anger violence by Prop 8 opponents

As we get closer and closer to the Second Coming of Christ (could be tomorrow or could be a thousand years from now), those who stand up for morality and decency will be persecuted and hated, though it may not be as blatant as the headlines above suggest.

So don't be surprised that you will be hated by the nations. The implication is that entire nations will come down on Christians (in a bizarre way, they are already being blamed for the violence that Muslims are committing in France, England, and elsewhere). Rejoice instead that your names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life and that you're being faithful to what He has called you to do. It may not be easy (especially when we like to be liked) but it may be necessary.