Ever been falsely accused or targeted and abused for something you something you simply did not do? In fact, you may have done what is right and were persecuted for it?
Don’t feel alone… that was the experience of Jesus! Not only that, it has been the experience of godly people down through the centuries… even today!
Now it is certainly no credit to a professing Christian if they are persecuted for inconsistent or evil behavior… In fact 1 Peter 2:19-21 puts it this way… “It is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
So in my Bible reading during “coffee with the Lord” I read David’s response to unjust suffering – there’s much to commend it…
He prayed for vindication and help in his suffering: He cried, “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! … Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation!’” (From Psalm 35:1–3) Hey, there’s nothing wrong with crying out to the Lord in your time of need! He trusted the Lord to help him and vindicate him!
But he also determined to praise the Lord for helping him! “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; I shall rejoice in His salvation… Lord, who is like You, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, yes, the poor and need from him who plunders him? … I will give you thanks in the great assembly; I will praise you among many people! … My tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long!” (From the remainder of Psalm 35)
So, if you’re suffering unjustly, talk to God about it – as for His help and support, even deliverance! But follow the advice and example of Jesus who urged you bless those who persecute you (see Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36). Entrust yourself to the Lord… He will be your ultimate vindication – vengeance is ultimately His to mete out (and that frees you up to be redemptive in your suffering (check out Romans 12:14-21)… That’s the Lord’s way!!
Coffee With The Lord 