So many times we can get caught up thinking that it’s all about us. We often think that when people cut us off on the road they intentionally do it just to aggravate us. However the truth of the matter is that they probably don’t even see us. They were probably just rushing to work thinking about their own day.
When Saul, who later became Apostle Paul, was on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by the light of the Glory of Jesus. Saul had been persecuting the church and had a visitation, along the road, from Christ Himself. Jesus asked Saul why he was hunting Him down.
When we made Jesus The Lord of our lives, it became no longer just about us but also about Him. Jesus did not say to Saul why are you out to get My followers, but rather why are you out hunting Me down. Jesus takes it very personal when we, who are His followers, are being persecuted for our faith. It is not just us that they are persecuting but Jesus Himself.
It is very comforting to know that Jesus is so actively involved in our lives and taking it personally when we are being persecuted for our faith. I love the way Jesus answered Saul, “I Am Jesus, the One you are hunting down”.
The next time we face persecution for our faith let’s remember that it is Jesus that they are persecuting. Whoever is doing the persecution definitely needs our prayers. They are probably only acting out from a place of deep hurt in their own lives. Who knows, through our prayers and loving response to their actions of hurt, they may become the next Apostle Paul!