SATURDAY October 31, 2026
Reproached for the Name of Christ
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 4:14
Peter was ministering among believers who were being prosecuted, persecuted and killed. Some caved in to fear and denied Christ. Knowing the pressures they faced, he began to develop a plan of action for when they would be reproached for the name of Jesus Christ. He wanted them to stand strong so that they could endure and not deny the Lord. I love that. I mean, what would you do under the same kind of circumstances?
Peter knew too well what it was like to deny the Lord, because he had fled when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter was different––bold and unafraid. He stood his ground in the face of reproach and gave witness to Christ on the Day of Pentecost. At that time, 3000 people accepted the Lord. Church history records that a time came when Peter did give his life for Christ––he was crucified upside down. The Spirit of glory rested upon Peter.
The Spirit of glory has enabled many believers in Church history to stand before their persecutors and say, “Go ahead and kill me.” Some were thrown to wild beasts, others burned at the stake. The Spirit of glory rested upon them as they praised God and worshiped the Lord. God gave them His grace to be able to die that way. That is why we do not have to be fearful if a time comes when we have to die for Christ.
Today, if you are reproached or insulted for your faith, do not worry about it. Maybe as a young person, you became a believer, and now your parents are angry with you and kicked you out of your home. Some of you may have been ridiculed by your friends. Hey, be joyful! Why? Christ was mocked and ridiculed! If they treated Jesus that way, expect no less. Remember, you are in good company.
We are living in the Last Days, and it is important to prepare yourself for persecution. The world, our nation, and government are changing. Know that the Spirit of glory will rest upon you when you face hostile people. One day, Christ will come––hopefully soon.
If we live, Jesus will be with us; if we die, we shall be with Jesus.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
