Dear Mr. Graham

Dear Mr. Graham,

I recently saw your status about martyrdom of the Egyptians Christians. It is frustrating that there is seemingly no justice for these murders of people who are innocent of anything that should lead to their deaths. However, it's odd to me that you seem surprised at the world's response to it. It's true that if Christians had beheaded twenty-one Muslims, there would have been a huge outcry, but I think you're missing something key. Jesus told us that we would share in His suffering. Jesus told us the world would be against us. Why are you surprised that what He said is true? The world will never side with God's people and really, it should surprise us when they do.

I would agree that we do need to be prepared for any potential persecution. I don't look for persecution, however, I think it's incredibly arrogant to think that we're above it. It's sharing in Jesus' suffering which is what we've been called to do. Jesus has warned us, prepared us, and will continue to work in us. Perhaps we've been fat and happy too long in our country. Perhaps it would do our souls some good to share in the burden of His sufferings.

I do wish that you had not ended your status on such an ominous tone. I have only read this one status update, so I really have no idea how often you speak of the hope to come and the assurance believers have in Jesus. Going on this post alone, I wish that you had finished your thought with the rest of the story. Yes, there is suffering on earth. Yes, we are called to share in Jesus' suffering. Also, yes, we are promised rest in the presence of God when we leave this world. Please do not leave out our hope in the face of possible persecution.