In recent weeks there has been a growing persecution of Christians in Iraq, particularly in the city of Mosul. ISIS, a militant Islamic group, have taken control of the region and declared Shariah Law. Reportedly, Christians have been told to convert to Islam, pay a religious tax, leave or face death. Many have already lost their lives, while even more have been forced to leave everything and flee to nearby Kurdistan. Recent reports have also indicated that moderate Muslims have also suffered as they have stood with their Christian friends and neighbours.
You can read more here, here and here.
I am currently preaching through the book of Daniel. One of the overarching themes of the book is that, despite all appearances, God is in control. The Israelites had been taken captive into exile in Babylon, subjugated under the nation that destroyed their land and their temple. Israelite youths were indoctrinated into the philosophy and practices of the empire and put to work in its service. It certainly looked like Israel was finished. It looked like the God of Israel had been defeated by the gods of Babylon.
However, Daniel tells us repeatedly, God is in control. King Nebuchadnezzar is reminded that it was God who gave him his power, and God could take it away again (Dan 2:37; 4:23-26). King Belshazzar loses his kingdom and his life when God judges him for his idolatrous pride (Dan. 5). And God promises to remove all man-made kingdoms and to set up his own kingdom that will last forever (Dan. 2:44-45). The promise is that despite the evil of human rulers and the suffering they inflict on those under their power, the sovereign God is superintending all things and will bring justice.
The kingdom that God promised in Daniel 2 was established by Jesus. Jesus Christ, God who became man, died on the cross and rose again. In that act he took on himself God’s judgement on sin and defeated sin and death. He purchased salvation for all who would trust in him as Lord and Saviour. Not only that, he also received all authority in heaven and earth. He now reigns from his heavenly throne, from which he will return to finally bring an end to all suffering and evil. He will bring judgement and justice on those who have rebelled against him, but also eternal salvation for those who have trusted in him.
1 Peter, written to Christians suffering under persecution, sheds light on the hope we have in Christ. Firstly:
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV)
And later:
[12] Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12-14, 19 ESV)
The guarantee of future hope offers comfort for the suffering Christian. God knows their suffering, he has experienced their suffering, he is with them in their suffering and he will certainly bring justice for their suffering. Through the resurrection of Christ, they have a living hope. They can entrust their souls to their faithful Creator.
So the promise in Jesus is the same for Christians in modern day Iraq as it was for God’s people in ancient Iraq (Babylon): Despite all appearances, God is in control.
For those of us who are looking on from a distance, here are two ways to stand with those suffering in Iraq:
- Practical support: Support for persecuted Christians in Iraq can be given through Barnabas Fund here.
- Pray: Pray for an end to the persecution. Pray for justice for those who have been displaced and have lost everything. Pray for practical provision for those who are fleeing. Pray that stability and order can be established in Iraq so that all citizens of the country can enjoy peace. Pray that Iraqi Christians will know the presence of God with them. Pray that, like Paul evangelising his captors (Phil. 1:13), Iraqi Christians will be able to love their oppressors and share the good news of Jesus with them.
davidaevans 