Priceless Gifts

"When they opposed him and insulted him, he would shake out his garments in protest..." Acts 18:6

Paul received a lot of insults for his perseverance to preach the Gospel. Just as Jesus said to Ananias, Paul would have to suffer for His name. Paul was beaten multiple times, stoned, arrested, put in prison for years, until finally, he was beheaded outside Rome in 67 A.D. 

Just two days ago, members of a group inspired by Isis burned down the Cathedral in Marawi. They took as hostages a priest, Father Chito Suganob, and his staff and threatened to kill them if the government forces were not called off. 

There is a poignant old story about a Chinese man named Bian He, who found a large stone which he presented to the emperor. The emperor thought it was some sort of trickery to be presented with a worthless stone, and ordered Bian He's left foot chopped off. When Bian He gifted the next emperor with the same stone, the emperor had his right foot cut off. When the next emperor was crowned, Bian He just stayed outside the palace, weeping, and holding the stone for 3 nights and 3 days. The emperor was curious enough to investigate. When he ordered that the stone be polished, they discovered the precious jade hiding inside the dirt. 

 

So it is that one day, people who persecute and torture Christians will realize that what they thought was worthless, are really priceless gifts from God. They do not know that faithful Christians bring blessings upon nations (2 Chro. 7:14). 

Lord, may You find us faithful. May we not be Christians in name only, but may we be earthen vessels holding the treasure of Your surpassing power 

(2 Cor. 4:7).