The Resonating Silence: Persecution of the Faith

Last year, I remember reading a newsletter from someone I know. She had written about her experiences on her journey, how she took for granted the freedom of expression of her Christian faith; Especially in the face of persecution. For some reason, the words “The resonating silence” came to mind and has lingered on for a while.

In the process of conducting research, I tried looking out for places where resonating and silence were used. However, I couldn’t find what I want so I’ll share my own perception of this title.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, resonate means “to continue to have a powerful effect or value”. Whilst silence means “completely quiet”. In Physics, when sound resonates, it’s at an all time high frequency. Sharing the same effect, the resonating silence is when the silence is deafening. No one is speaking about it yet a message is being passed.

Sorry about the physics lesson but I needed you to understand the direction of the article.

Persecution

“The act of harassing or oppressing a person or group because of their identity”. Did you know that a lot of Christians are persecuted everyday? According to Open doors, a Christian Advocacy group, one in six Christians suffer persecution.

Have you ever listened to the story of a persecuted Christian? Hearing them speak, it will give you a new perspective on the Christian faith. Is it the trials they go through or the sacrifices made?

Persecution can come in various forms, ranging from suffering, harassment to even imprisonment. All for the Gospel of Christ to live in the various nations of the earth. Biblically speaking, what forms of persecution have occurred?

Biblical reference on Persecution

In Matthew 26:57-68, particularly in verse 59, you see how the Sanhedrin tried to falsely accuse Jesus. They tried their best but couldn’t come up with anything till the 60th verse, when 2 people came up to testify against Jesus.

Acts 7:54-60 details the persecution that Stephen encountered. The words spoken by Stephen angered the people who in turn stoned him. Stephen’s last words speak of God not holding the act against them.

59. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.’ Acts 7:59-60

Don’t forget Daniel was also thrown into a lion’s den. There are some other disciples and people who encountered persecution for their faith in the Scriptures. Some hung upside down and others more brutal acts.

What’s your perception of persecution?

What comes to your mind when I mention persecution? I’m sure you think of some far place. How about I tell you that persecution is closer than it looks?

It’s relatively easy to use the example of Nigeria because I’m Nigerian. Did you know that Christians in the Northern part of Nigeria are more likely to suffer persecution? Nigeria’s structure classifies the Northern part as predominantly Muslim and the south Christian.

Nigeria ranks 9th position of countries where Christians suffer extreme persecution. You can read the article here! For the Northern Christians, it’s a matter of life and death. It dampens the spirit when you find some Christians in the Southern part don’t know of this.

Some days, look inwards, there’s so much you aren’t paying attention to.

While speaking to my sister about persecution, she mentioned something I’d like to share with you. Did you know that Christians persecute themselves based on the denominations they belong to?

The Bible already speaks of the world loving its own in John 15:19.

‘If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ‘ John 15:19

In verse 20 of the same chapter, Jesus admonishes:

‘Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. ‘ John 15:20

What’s the point of harassing people with the same beliefs but different expressions? It’s a continuous process of asking the Holy Spirit to discern who is who in Christianity.

Encouragement in the face of Persecution

If you take a look at John 16:25-33, you see Jesus speaking to his disciples. He speaks to them plainly about the Father’s love, as a result of their love for and belief in Him.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”’ John 16:33

In verse 33, He asks that they be of good cheer because there will be tribulations but certainly, He has overcome the world. It’s like a comforting word for the persecution of the faith in this case.

The last two verses of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 speak of persecution. It guarantees those who suffer persecution of the faith a great reward in heaven. Blessed is the word used to describe the persecuted.

Blessed: Endowed with divine favour and protection

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’ Matthew 5:11-12

The fact that Jesus says there will be persecution doesn’t mean you should stay silent. When it seems like the silence is resonating, I ask that you keep praying and encouraging persecuted Christians in whatever way you can.

Read the previous article: For the One my heart desires