Religious Violence – Part Two by Ps Michael Podhaczky

Religious Violence – Part Two

In the last blog, I began discussing religious violence. I pointed out that because of sin anyone can be violent, even the non-religious. Furthermore, it was stated that any person could suffer from religious violence. Even Jesus understood the pain of religious and secular violence and abuse. He was seriously hurt and was finally murdered (Is 52:14; Jn 19:1, 17-18). All types perpetrated this violence against Him. The secular authorities (Matt 27:27-30; Lk 23:6-12; Jn 18:28-38; 19:1), the religious (Jn 18:19-24; 19:6) and even the mob (Lk 23:18, 21).

Jesus knew that this violence was going to be beyond His limits apart from His Father’s help (Matt 26:38-44). Yet, He was willing to do the Father’s will, and Isaiah recorded His attitude amidst it all when he said,

“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth.” (Is 53:7 NLT)

As one reads this, the injustice against Jesus is intensely evident. As Christ followers, we would never go through this kind of violence, surely? Christ has died in our place! Well, He did die in our place for sin, but who says that this violence could not happen to a Christ follower? Just ask those who have experienced religious violence throughout history for simply being a Christ follower - what would they say? Did they lack faith to stand against the violence? Do you have greater faith than they do, because you have not been exposed to this kind of violence? Before you answer these questions, read the following verses; one from a section that is called the ‘faith chapter’ in Hebrews 11, and another from Acts. Then, consider your answers.

³⁵ “Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. ³⁶ Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. ³⁷ Some died by stoning; some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. ³⁸ They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. ³⁹ All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. ⁴⁰ For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.” (Heb 11:35-40 NLT)

²¹ “After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, ²² where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Act 14:22 NLT)

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over. To be continued…