Persecution

“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” [John 15:20]

Just recently an Iranian court ordered that a Christian pastor be put to death for leaving Islam and converting to Christianity. Youcef Nadarkhani, a 34-year-old husband and father of two was arrested over two years ago on charges of apostasy, and may now be executed at any time without prior warning.

Pastor Nadarkhani and his family are in our prayers as he faithfully and courageously confesses Christ, even in the midst of persecution and the possibility of death. Furthermore, we pray for all Muslims, that our gracious Lord would turn them from their idolatry and bring them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ—the only Savior!

Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, grant courage that Youcef and all Your children may confess Your saving name in the face of any opposition from a world hostile to the Gospel. Help them to remember Your faithful people who sacrificed much and even faced death rather then dishonor You when called upon to deny the faith. By Your Spirit, strengthen them to be faithful and to confess You boldly, knowing that You will confess Your own before the Father in heaven, with whom You and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen. [LSB: For Persecuted Christians, adapted]

You can read more about Pastor Nadarkhani here.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” [Matthew 5:11-12]