What is Faithfulness & Patient Endurance?
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24: 21-22)
“If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.” This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. (Revelation 13: 10)
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14: 12-13)
Read in context, these scriptures are about the Great Tribulation. Jesus tells his followers that this time of unprecedented distress will require faithfulness and patient endurance on their part. He is warning Christians that the times ahead will be very difficult. But the Good Shepherd will not abandon his flock.
Strike the Shepherd & the Sheep will be Scattered
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10: 11)
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” (Matthew 26: 31-32)
6 If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’ 7 “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. 8 In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. 9 This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” (Zechariah 13: 7-9)
The Shepherd who is close to God is Jesus Christ. The wounds Jesus received at the house of his friends referred to his crucifixion (nails were pounded into his hands/feet and his side was pierced with a spear). The sheep that are scattered are his followers: Christians.
When Jesus Christ was crucified, his followers were scattered. After Jesus was resurrected, he went into Galilee. He was seen by hundreds of witnesses. On Pentecost, God’s Holy Spirit was poured out onto the followers of Jesus Christ. After the crucifixion of Christ and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the Christian church grew quickly. Despite believers being severely persecuted and martyred, they remained faithful and the church continued to grow.
Persecution has continued since that time. Lately, the persecution has been increasing. Many of those who are being persecuted are killed (martyred) for their faith. But in the less persecuted parts of the world, many Christians have become complacent. They follow different doctrines – many of which are not Biblical. Just as Jesus warned: some of the teachings in the churches are false teachings.
Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. Yet, the majority of Christians seem to live with one foot in their faith and one foot in the world. Many have lost sight of what the Holy Bible actually says and instead, they follow what is deemed to be politically correct. They have the privilege of owning a Bible but don’t actually read it. Their faith and prayers have become lukewarm.
When God turns His hand against the Christians, He calls them “little ones” (a term of endearment). Even though God will allow for two thirds to be killed, He still loves them. So far, there aren’t any historical records showing that two thirds of Christians have ever been killed. This indicates that this prophesy has not yet been fulfilled.
Before Jesus Christ returns, two thirds of his flock will be “struck down and perish.” There are currently about 2.4 billion Christians in the world. If two thirds will be killed, that means about 1.6 billion Christians will be killed.
This scripture says that two-thirds will be killed but it does not specifically say that they will be martyred. Therefore, it could refer to the number of Christians killed in the 6th Trumpet war. However it is more likely that it refers to the number of Christians that will be martyred during the Great Tribulation.
Either way, one third of the flock will remain. This third will be refined like silver and tested like gold. The third that will be refined appears to describe what will happen to Christians during the Great Tribulation.
For more information, please read:
The Refiner’s Fire
35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. (Daniel 11: 35)
10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. (Daniel 12: 10)
9 This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” (Zechariah 13: 9)
During the time of Great Tribulation, God will refine His holy people. According to Matthew 24, some people will be killed by the sword and some people will go into captivity. Revelation 7 says that a great multitude of Christians will be martyred during the Great Tribulation. Based on Zechariah 13, two thirds of the Good Shepherd’s flock will be killed. The one third that remains will be refined and tested.
Facing Adversity
14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3: 14-16)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven… (Matthew 5: 10-12)
19 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. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. (John 15: 19-21)
Because of God’s mercy and grace through Christ Jesus, Christians are given an opportunity to face adversity differently than the rest of the world. We are to pray for our enemies. We are to bless those who curse us. We are not to fear death because we know we have received salvation through Jesus Christ and we will spend eternity with God.
God’s holy people are called to be set apart for Him. We are to be different from the people of the world who do not know Him. Those who know the Lord have real hope and real strength. Those who love the Lord live their lives for Him.
Because we can rely on the Lord, it is possible for Christians to face adversity differently than human nature would normally allow. We can face hardships with compassion, strength, and courage. We can have peace regardless of the circumstances. We can pray for our enemies. We can remain faithful to our Lord.
Faithfulness
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5: 22-23) (See: What is the Fruit of the Spirit?)
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10: 32-22)
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7: 21)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… 19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12: 9-13, 19)
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (Revelation 2: 10)
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25: 21)
14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17: 14)
The Lamb of God is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will arrive in glory and great power. His chosen and faithful followers with be with him.
Jesus Christ was faithful and completed what God the Father sent him to do. As followers of Christ, Christians must also remain faithful to what God has called us to do. Even though God will allow extreme persecution during the Great Tribulation, God will help us face whatever the future holds.
You are Not Alone
5 The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31: 5-6)
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9: 9-10)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38-39)
Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No matter what happens, God will help us through it. And Jesus Christ will be with us always, even to the very end of the age.
Peace of Mind regardless of Circumstances
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6-7)
When we trust God with our fears, He is faithful. When we pray with thanksgiving, we are not victims. When we receive God’s peace, it is not contingent upon circumstances. Our hearts and minds will be guarded in Christ Jesus. (See: What is the Peace Beyond Understanding?)
Do Not be Afraid
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12: 6-7)
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8: 27-28)
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
You are so important to God that He even knows the numbers of hairs on your head. Because you belong to Him, nothing happens to you without His consent. Whatever God allows, He has a purpose for it, He will help you through it, and He will make something good come from it. What is there to fear?
The Real Battle
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6: 11-13)
Our battle is not with humans but we do have a very real enemy: the devil. We cannot fight a spiritual enemy with physical weapons. Christians must put on their spiritual armor: the Armor of God. Then, you can recognize the enemy’s schemes and you will be able to stand your ground against him. (See: What is the Armor of God?)
Even if God allows Satan to have power over God’s holy people during the Great Tribulation, God is still in control. God is more powerful than Satan. Jesus has already won that war. We are victors in Christ.
The time of Great Tribulation is going to happen. We need to be prepared. How we face that challenge is up to us.
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