Persecution

[HKHaugan]

Persecution

The interesting thing about this word is that it is derived from a Greek word ‘dioko’ that has a double meaning.  The negative use is to put to flight, to hunt down and kill.  The positive is to pursue in order to give something.   But when it is used negatively it becomes ‘dediogmenoi’ as is the case here in the Sermon.  So how can it be a blessing when such a strong meaning is attached to it?  The positive sense sees it as an opportunity to be the salt and light of Christ at the moment of attack.  The Blessing is the grace of God operating at that moment to strengthen the new spiritual person born in the heart.  How we are willing to let the Holy Spirit fill us at that moment is when the fruit of the Spirit is ours.  You might even say that the Holy Spirit is pursuing us for good while the devil pursues us to ‘devour us.’

I remember once when I was one of many clergy invited to speak with students at a Religion in Life conference at the University of Florida in the 60’s.  After I gave a brief presentation to a group assigned to me, one of the students began a rant against God and faith in general.  Between the eyes of embarrassed onlookers, the hopeful faces of believers and those agreeing with him, I became the center of attention.  What will he say to that? 

Actually, I kind of prayed and simply let him rant.  When he saw I wasn’t going to flinch or withdraw or some other expected reaction, I asked him when all his concern started.  It seemed more important to recognize his pain than give some stock answer.   That led to a more frank and open discussion.  What I do remember about it is the Spirit seemed to step in and bring peace to the moment.  That’s all I can say.  But isn’t that the calling?  Who knows what that really did among the many students in the group?  It isn’t as important to be one up intellectually as it is to be open to the Spirit’s leading. 

A well-known chaplain at an Ivy League school was in a similar group when a student said to him that religion was just a crutch.  He replied, “Who says we’re not all weak?”  The Spirit used that moment to make an impression on those He was pursuing.

However, the persecution the early Christians faced was far more daunting.  Their very lives were at stake.  They faced cruel inhumane treatment from prison to torture to being the victims of roaring lions.  They lost jobs, friends, families and all for the Lord who they knew would receive them into His Kingdom.  Today as this is being written the most persecuted of all people are Christians and Jews.  Given the shift in our culture where there is a growing hostility to our faith, it could happen here.  Perhaps this is why Jesus does a double take on persecution here. 

The first in vs.10 where the persecuted are being right through faith in what they live like.  The second in vs.11 is because of Jesus the source of that right living.  Roman civilization was open to every kind of religion and idol worship with a multi-god backing used to justify all the worst of human self-worship.  The thought of a One God whose gift of singular personal faith challenged even the emperor was abhorrent to the culture mindset.  It had to be destroyed.  The cultural condition of our civilization is very similar so be prepared. 

Now perhaps, the Sermon on the Mount can be seen as a lifestyle that crosses the boundaries not only of history, but the individual hearts of every new person born into this world.