DEVOTIONAL: Haters Gonna Hate

9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
— John 12:9-11

Here’s a quick note for you to remember who you are, where you’re going, and who’s taking you there.

Jesus Christ rose Lazarus from the dead after four — yes, FOUR days. He loved Lazarus, they were close friends and Jesus hung out with his family. L’s sister, Mary, is the same Mary who anointed him for his crucifixion and death.

So when Lazarus was brought back to life by Jesus, everyone was super excited. It was their friend, Jesus, God in the flesh, delivering them in a tough situation.
Of course, God never does anything without it having a purpose, and here, the purpose was to help people believe in him. That he is God, and he has all power and authority over any situation.

How to I know that? Well, if Jesus was just helping out a friend, with no greater intention, he would have prevented Lazarus’s death to begin with. Or he would have shown up sooner, like the sisters asked him to (see John chapter 11).

But, no. God had much bigger plans. A miracle so huge (FOUR DAYS!) that the people would have to believe in his Son.

And tons of people did believe. In fact, so many people believed after that miracle, that the Pharisees got ferociously angry and plotted to kill not only Jesus, but Lazarus, too!

Lazarus, the recipient of the miracle, innocent and just happy to be alive, like Jesus, was now the target of blood thirsty religious tyrants.
They couldn’t have him walking around, all breathing and whatnot, telling everyone what Jesus had done for him!

And that’s what I’m getting around to with this devotional today. Right now, in your life, you have haters out there who want you gone. They want you to shut up. They don’t want you to tell everyone what Jesus has done for you. They are sick of your blessings, your miracles, and your connection to God through Jesus Christ.
And they’d love nothing better than to break you down. Hurt you and crush your spirit.

But you are a friend of Jesus, and he is using you and your life to draw people to him. He is using your miracle as an example for others who desperately need him.

Those who are out to hurt you are offended by your connection and belief in Christ.

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. –John 15:18

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. — John 15:20

Haters ‘gon hate, but God always wins in the end!

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. —1 John 3:1 (NIV)

So let them hate you, despise you and plot against you. You are best friends with the savior of the world, and he is going to put you on display for the whole world to see his glory!

Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
— Luke 6:22 NKJV

*CHECK OUT THE ‘HATERS GONNA HATE’ TEE INSPIRED BY THIS POST! http://www.shopnewwine.com/product/haters-gonna-hate-tee-pre-order*

SPOTLIGHT: “Rope” Unisex Tee

The most popular shirt on the website is Rope! It has almost 100 views (UPDATE: it now has more than 200 views!!); and it has been the most popular since the beginning of www.shopnewwine.com.

I thought it would be cool to highlight this shirt and give you guys a bit of insight into the meaning  behind it.

  The ORIGINAL Rope design, still awesome 🙂

I was inspired by a quote I read in Voice of the Martyrs newsletter; a man named Tahir Iqbal, living in Pakistan, was about to be killed for his faith in Jesus Christ. He said “I changed because I found the Truth. I will kiss the rope that hangs me, but I will never deny my faith.”

I have found few things about Tahir, including this article, which includes some more information about his life, how he came to Christ and his death. I couldn’t believe that a man who was by all accounts, a Muslim, converted to Christianity, and would DIE for Jesus. I don’t even know how many ‘Christians’ out there would rather die than give up Jesus.

The article above says Mr. Iqbal was starved to death (or died under some other suspicious circumstances), however Voice of the Martyrs reports he was hung, which explains the statement that started all this.

Whatever the case, I set to designing the shirt. A black shirt so it wouldn’t distract from the design, and simple bold colors to make everything stand out. The rope, of course, on the neckline – which is a rare occurrence for a shirt, because all over or ‘large prints’ go outside the normal range of printing. And a red kiss on the rope. So effortless, yet very powerful. After adding the quote and Mr. Iqbal’s name,  I thought it was very necessary to add his location. It’s one thing for a Christian in a freely Christian environment to say that, but it’s a totally different ball game when this person is living in a Christian-hostile environment. I mean, he was refused representation from his Muslim people because he had “turned away”, ‘blasphemed”, and left the ‘true faith’.

But this man knew that the Truth is Jesus Christ, and that if he had faith in the true Lord, he would be saved no matter what. So he boldly proclaimed this fact – the truth changed me, how can I turn back now?

After I designed the shirt, I made up my mind all the profits should go to VOM, for their many amazing ministries. They send church supplies to churches in hostile areas, provide legal counsel and care for families who have loved ones in jail, provide necessities and schooling to children in hostile areas, along with tons of other stuff. (Find out more at www.persecution.com)

I strongly encourage all of you to check out VOM and contribute in any way you can. We have Christian brothers and sisters out there who are suffering in ways we can’t imagine (rape, torture, bombings, arsons) just to have the right to worship the way we do; in a secure sanctuary, with a Bible, in front of our God and friends.

Please pray for these people, they are continually brave and are great ministers of the Gospel.

If you would like to purchase this tee in support of VOM’s work, you can do so on New Wine’s website www.shopnewwine.com!