by Steve Sering

On April 20^th, 1999 two young men entered into Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, the school where they attended, and opened fire. 13 people were killed (12 students, 1 teacher), with many more injured. The first one killed in the devastation was Rachel Joy Scott, a 17 year old junior. It has been said that she was targeted for her Christian faith. Her journals which documented her authentic faith in Jesus have been published and have inspired millions to show compassion towards one another. When I was in high school, a man came to speak to the student body, with an organization called Rachel’s Challenge. He shared Rachel’s story and it changed my life forever. Ever since that talk I have tried to show compassion towards others. One quote from Rachel’s journals has stuck with me all these years:

“I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”

Rachel’s bold faith and tender heart have impacted millions for Christ. The Apostle Paul’s life has had a similar effect. With the end in mind, he wanted to share the truth with Timothy. In verse 12 he shared, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Just as Rachel was gunned down for her faith and just as the Apostle Paul was beheaded for his, we must be ready to lay it all down for Christ. Jesus himself said in Luke 9:23-24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”To be a Christian is to take up your cross daily and follow Jesus. We must be willing to lay down our lives for Christ no matter the cost.

Paul urged Timothy and the churches to follow his example, his teaching and way of life and not that of ungodly, wicked false teachers (v. 10). Recounting his persecutions, the apostle remembered God’s faithfulness saying, “yet from them all the Lord rescued me” (v. 11). Again, verse 12 is worth mentioning. It is a promise that all who genuinely follow the Lord will be persecuted. Sound encouraging? Maybe not from an earthly perspective, but from a heavenly perspective it is. There is a reward for those who suffer for Christ (James 1:12). The contagious beauty and immeasurable glory of heaven will make every trial worth enduring! Wrapping our arms around our Savior will melt away every tear and remedy every ache we had to endure on earth. Even when evildoers go on and seem to win the day, our God has a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29). Afterall, Christ is the cornerstone that can never be moved by the evils of man!

Reflection Questions:

1. What is your response when you are challenged for your faith? Does suffering produce fear or faith in your heart?
2. Who can you encourage and pray for in the midst of persecution? What missionaries need your prayer and support?