Good Morning,
I’m sure by now that you’ve heard of turmoil that has been taking place in Afghanistan as a result of the departure of the United States military. The Taliban has now been steadily increasing their presence and taking over many cities and towns throughout Afghanistan. The Taliban has reported that the kind of rule they desire to establish is a peaceful departure from the violence that has taken place in the past, however reports on the ground have indicated that this is not true. They are still very hostile towards our brothers and sisters in Christ and are going so far as ‘door to door’ confrontation to determine Christian faith and executing those who refuse to renounce (Media ministry offers ‘lifeline’ to fearful Afghans as Taliban kill Christians (religionnews.com)). In these times, we remember that we are the Body of Christ and that, if one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26). I ask that you join together in lifting up your fellow brothers and sisters in Afghanistan in prayer for the following:
1. Pray for those enduring persecution – The apostle Peter tells the church to, not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 14:12-16).
This is just one of the paradoxes of our faith, that those who are mistreated as a follower of Jesus are to rejoice and glorify God and are considered blessed because they have shared in the sufferings of Christ who himself said: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
We can all acknowledge that this is a response from the Spirit that is contrary to our human nature which desires to avoid suffering. So, we are called by our Father to ask for their strengthening in Spirit, that they would not succumb to the temptation of denying Christ in order to save their flesh. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)
2. Pray for the persecutors – Here again, we see a departure from what is ‘natural’ to our humanness, to pray for those who would do us harm. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45a).
In this, we remember the miraculous conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. One who likewise persecuted the church and stood by in approval as Stephen was stoned to death for his testimony of Christ (Acts 7:54-60), yet God demonstrated in him the overwhelming abundance of His grace by bringing salvation to even him. God is still able to do such things and we pray that the members of the Taliban would ultimately come to see Christ in those whom they persecute and that the Holy Spirit would transform their hearts and bring them to salvation.
3. Pray for those in leadership - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4). This is the third departure from our human nature that God has called us in Christ to engage. At these times it is easy for us to be critical of the decisions made by those in leadership and those in “high positions”. While it is true that not every decision made at these levels is flawless, nevertheless God has called us to pray on their behalf in order that we might lead a peaceful and quiet life in service of Christ bringing the Gospel to the nations.
4. Consider how you might get involved – While we acknowledge that prayer is of critical importance at these times, particularly when lifting up those so far away, we also know that our faith in prayer must also be put into action. If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17). To this end, I encourage you to share your resources with those who are suffering through the Voice of the Martyrs ministry (The Voice of the Martyrs Canada | Giving to VOMC (vomcanada.com) – Further information on this ministry can be viewed from the link).
In addition to giving, ask God if he would have you become further involved in aiding our brothers and sisters in a more active way.
As we engage by faith in prayer and by the expression of that faith in giving and serving, we do so knowing that Christ has already revealed the end goal of the church, of which we can be certain: on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).
Blessings in the love of Christ,
Pastor Scott