Word From The Street

*Adapted from Bogatzky’s Golden Treasury 1734

All indeed, all who want to live a godly life united with the Messiah Yeshua will be persecuted – II Tim 3:12(CJB)

“I have given them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world just as I myself do not belong to the world.” – John 17:14(CJB)

The children of God do not love and please the world, and are often greatly afflicted on account of abounding wickedness, and particularly the profaning of the Lord’s name. Therefore if you love the world, and the world loves you, there must be much worldliness in you; for the world loves its own.

Many pretend to be believers, but they will not endure persecution. Instead, they blame others for too much rashness, and not acting prudently enough, to avoid the mockings of the world. Therefore they propose to take wiser measures; and in order to do more good, take great care not to be despised and rejected. But under this pretense of wisdom and prudence there often lies concealed a dangerous love for the world, and fear of man.

We should be more noble-minded; live as a believer indeed, and be not ashamed to bear the execution stake of the Messiah. “The talmidim (servant) is not above his rabbi.” Was it not the lot of Him who is eternal love, wisdom, and power, to endure the reproach of sinners? You would be wiser than Him indeed, if you could escape the scorn and hatred of the world!

May His grace my soul renew,

Let sinners reproach, and hate me too,

The Word that saves me does engage,

A sure defense from all their rage.