One Monday in early April, Shaher Saeed was driving south of the city of Arish in Egypt’s North Sinai when he came upon a group of Islamic State militants who had stopped a truck carrying cigarettes. “I saw them forcing the driver from the vehicle and stripping the upper part of his clothing before tying him to the door of one of their cars,” said Saeed, who lives in the area. “They hit him on the back more than 10 times, then burned all the cartons of cigarettes … They let him go after warning him not to trade cigarettes again.”
Interviews with residents of North Sinai and reviews of Islamic State videos suggest the group’s local affiliate, known as Sinai Province, is seeking to impose its hardline interpretation of Islam on the local populace for the first time. According to Sinai Province videos reviewed by Reuters, the group has created a morality police force, known as a Hisba, to enforce strict rules against such behavior as smoking, men shaving their beards or women exposing their faces. READ MORE
So much can be said about persecution of Christians. The internet news often carries articles about the suppression of Christianity in many countries including the United States of America. Who would have thought! I’m taken aback by the mercilessness of people towards Christians who are losing ground in every-day life there, and in other countries. It hasn’t quite reached the shores of Australia yet but it will come … Jesus said so, “….. you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake….” (Matthew 24:9, 10 NKJV).
The spirit which drives persecution is the same that has been behind the killing of those who have chosen to serve God ever since Abel was slain, and the radical Islamic State has taken on a far more sinister and horrific stand which is nothing short of pure evil driven by Satan and his ilk for dealing with Christians (beheadings, torture, crucifixions). But should we Christians be surprised? Not really. Peter makes it clear that to suffer persecution for being a Christian is to partake of Christ’s suffering. (1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV) He also says, “if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed” (and there are other similar verses).
Christians who stand up for Jesus are not alone, for He has promised that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Also, Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV) tells us, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
He will be our strength, and give us strength to go through whatever He allows, just when we need it … no matter what happens to us.