A House Divided

Have you ever noticed that it is always Christians and Jews being attacked, with the latter even more than the former? More specifically it’s our faiths, Christianity and Judaism being attacked more than any other religion. Anti-Semitism is on the rise and has risen more than 400% just in the last month since the Hamas terrorist attack. Open Doors USA found that, last year, 360 million Christians lived in countries where persecution was “significant.” Roughly 5,600 Christians were murdered, more than 6,000 were detained or imprisoned, and another 4,000-plus were kidnapped. In addition, more than 5,000 churches and other religious facilities were destroyed. Even non-Christians notice this—Joe Rogan said on his podcast:

“Christianity is the most mocked religion. Like we want to look at religions with respect and dignity. Whether it’s Islam or Hinduism, we look at those with respect and dignity. And even if they have practices that we don’t agree with, we sort of give them this leeway that it’s part of their religion. But Christianity is the most openly, easily mocked of all religions. For whatever reason.”

Rogan doesn’t know the reason, but I think the reason is knowable. Is it that we are easy targets because our God tells us to turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute us? Possibly. But I think the stronger answer to the question is found in Jesus’ words in Mark 3, and the answer also points to even more evidence that it is our faith that is the True religion coming only from the one true God.

“But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, ‘He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.’
Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. ‘How can Satan cast out Satan?’ he asked. ‘A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.’” (Mark 3:22-26)

Satan is not going to attack what comes from him; he is not going to attack that which is of his own kingdom. Satan wants to attack that which leads to God, to Christ. Christ is the threat to Satan and he will not bother attacking anything less. Why is it that Judaism and Christianity are the most mocked and attacked? Because the Enemy wants to go after them and not waste his time on religions that lead away from Christ.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” (1 Peter 3:14)

“If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4:14)

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

We are not of the world. We are God’s people, bought with the blood of Christ, thus the world will hate us and attack us, but we can stand strong and endure knowing our Savior has already overcome the world.

To the glory of the Lord God, whose I am, and whom I serve.