Seeking God: When scoffers scoff

Read: Psalm 129:1-8, Isaiah 53:2-3

Christ: Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? I don’t come with clanging cymbals and flashing lights. Only those with discerning eye of faith can see Me in truth and Spirit. As my disciples you will not be treated with respect by everyone. You’ll encounter some persecution from time to time because no one likes to be told to loosen their grip on the world. Even so, do not let this upset or discourage you because I’m the only one whose opinion matters and I’m the one who holds your hand through everything.

Think: Jesus said “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). Have I ever been mocked for following Jesus? How did I react? Sometimes the way we react by instinct does not match the way we want to react. Take a moment to pray for the next time we are persecuted. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your resolve.

Pray: Jesus, you came to save the poor and weak in faith, not the ones who think they have it all together. We can see your beauty and glory. Help us to remain strong in our faith when it is challenged. We pray that seeds would be sown in these encounters. Amen.