How did the Apostles Endure Persecution—how should we? Once again, this column isn’t my stuff, and that’s a good thing! The following thoughts were taken from Paul Washer’s essay in the book, “High King of Heaven.”
Washer asks what enabled the apostles to endure persecution with rejoicing. He responds by saying that they continued to do the same things that gave them confidence in the first place. He identifies the reasons.
The greater reality
According to Washer, God, Christ and the rewards of heaven were a greater reality to the apostles than any shame or praise in the world. He finds the same perspective when he reads the Puritans and the Reformers. These same thoughts form the basis of Richard Baxter’s book, “The Saint’s Everlasting Rest.”
Washer writes that if we want to be able to face persecution, like these men, we must saturate our lives in God’s Word—”In no other way will what is unseen become a greater reality to us than what is seen.”
Tarrying in prayer
We must also tarry in prayer. Here Washer admits that his flesh hates studying the Word of God, but that it hates prayer even more. I appreciate when someone of his presence and stature is humble enough to admit a failing. He cites Martyn Lloyd-Jones who, at the end of his life, said that he wished he had spent more time in prayer.
Those interested can watch Washer’s testimony, “A Liar and a Coward” HERE (transcript provided). He notes at one point that: “But the presence of the living God is more real to me in this building right now, than the presence of all of you put together.”
On the subject on death and prayer, you can read his thoughts following a near-death heart attack on the Banner of Truth website, “Life as a Vapor.” He writes,
The prayers of God’s saints ascend from the earth like a faint and feeble cry. But when the incense of heaven is added to them, they return to earth with the power of thunder, lightning, and earthquakes (Revelation 8:3-5). Why then do I not rush to the closet, to the night vigil, to the times of separation? May God help me and you spend our days on the earth in believing, persevering, and prevailing intercessory prayer!
What makes the difference?
How did the Apostle Peter go from fear to boldness?
Washer answers that its cause is “The life and power of the Holy Spirit.” When the Spirit gives us a hunger for God’s Word and leads us to intercessory prayer, then we will begin to see heaven as more real than the world to us—”Only then will we persevere in the face of persecution.”
…since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Heb 11:40
He concludes that God has promised something better for us and we need a new reality,
We need to stop living in shadow-land. Stop looking at this world, and look at God in Scripture. In doing so, you will be able to meet persecution head on like our forefathers did.
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Cor 2:9
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:17-18
Maranatha!
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