Jesus the Treasure

I was reminded today of the trials & persecution numerous followers of Christ face in many countries around the world. This is Said Musa, he is currently a prisoner in Afghanistan because of his conversion to Christianity. In this prison he has suffered in the forms of sexual & physical abuse. He has been mocked, spat upon, and sleep deprived. He has appealed to President Obama not to be released, but to be transferred to another prison.  Read Said Musa's Story Here

Practicing our faith has become so easy & comfortable here in America. Yet reading stories like these reminds me of what Jesus meant as He imparted words to His disciples, almost all who were beaten, persecuted, and eventually became martyrs. Jesus knowing his fate of being brutally beaten and nailed to a cross also knew his disciples would suffer:

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:18-20

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10-12

"Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." Matthew 19:27-29

Said Musa is willing to sacrifice everything, including his life because he believes in the words of Jesus Christ. He understands that our lives on this earth are only temporary. There is something far greater, something eternal. He has traded comfort in this life for the precious treasure, Jesus Christ.

Will you pray for Said Musa wi

th me? Pray for his deliverance. Pray that Christ's presence will be overwhelming in his situation. That the Lord will grant him with courage and boldness. Pray for that all mankind will have the freedom to chose their religion without persecution. Again, let us labor together in prayer, interceding for our brother Musa.