“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12 NIV 

October 28 marked the anniversary of one of the most important battles in history, the Battle of Milvian Bridge. In AD 312 two rulers, Maxentius and Constantine, controlled different parts of the Roman empire. Both were pagans as Christianity had been outlawed almost since the time of Jesus nearly 300 years before. (You may recall hearing stories of Christians being thrown to the lions, burned alive, or crucified like Jesus.) But while Constantine was praying to his pagan god for help in battle, he saw a bright cross-like sign in the sky and the words “By this sign conquer.”

Christ came to him in a dream that night, and the next day Constantine and his troops painted the now famous Chi-Rho sign on their shields. (Chi and Rho are the first letters in the Greek word “Christ.”). Though outnumbered 3 to 1, Constantine’s troops advanced, causing the other army to panic and attempt to flee to the other side of the river. In the chaos, Maxentius was bumped off the bridge into the waters below and drowned. 

This made Constantine the undisputed Emperor and opened up the doors to the end of the persecution of Christians by the Roman government. The next year, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which granted freedom of religion to Christians and others. For the first time in 300 years, Christians could now practice their faith without fear of persecution.

But the more things change, it seems, the more they stay the same. In many places in the world today Christinas are still persecuted, if not by the government then by militants who seek to end any religious freedom. Christians in Nigeria, Sudan, Iran and many another places risk their lives to practice their faith. In smaller ways you might also have felt persecuted for following Jesus.

Let me encourage you to pray for the persecuted church around the world, and to trust in Christ to face whatever comes your way. Remember his words, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Peace,
Pastor Mark