Whenever I read 1 Peter, I'm reminded that things haven't historically gone well for Christians. Marginalization. Martyrdom. All sorts of mayhem from the hands of humans, inspired by the "roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). I can't help but sense in my gut that the times, they are a changing back. It's not easy being a Christian today. I'm not going to lay blame at the media. Nor am I going to over blow the failures of Christians and Christian leaders. The biblical fact remains, all of history leads to times getting bad for everyone...including Christians. Such lack of exemption shouldn't surprise us or paralyze us with discouragement. It should embolden us knowing that as things get worse, Christ's return is getting closer.
In the meantime, we are to embrace our hope in Christ and move about this earth as "God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God..." (1 Peter 2:9). We are "strangers in this world" (1 Peter 2:11).
If you need some encouragement in light of the times, read the lyrics from "A Cathedral Made of People" by Downhere. It's a great song that speaks honestly about Christian marginalization and persecution. What makes is great is that it reminds every Christian that "They can't touch you!" (I've also posted the link to a live video of Downhere's performance of the song).
Where would you go?
If they melted all the stained-glass windows
Replaced every sanctuary with a condo
Where would you go?
Where would you go?
We are a cathedral made of people
In a kingdom that the eye can't see
We're a house, we are the bride
Where God's Spirit lives inside
And nothing ever could stand against her
If they burned every Bible
What would you know?
If they tore your marked-up pages
How would you grow?
And declared your devotion to be criminal
What would you know?
What would you know?
When they throw you in prison
What will you do?
When they hate you for the things that you know are true
They can tear down this temple,
But they can't touch you.
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