Abu lived in northern Syria some years ago. He had come in contact with the gospel and became a happy Christian. Then his troubles began.
He was severely persecuted for his faith by his family and countrymen. His father-in-law took his bride away from him. The townsfolk tore down his new house. Then when he refused to give up his belief in the wonderful Book of God, they led him out of town and tied him to a pile of wood intending to set it on fire. At the last they gave him a chance to say his last words.
Instead of cursing his enemies and weeping, Abu knelt down and prayed for his persecutors. Then a miracle took place. The power of God was felt by all. One by one the angry mob left him and stole quietly back to their homes. They left Abu completely alone and yet not alone, for God was with His dear child.
“Blessed are ye, 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. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Luke 6:22, 2322Blessed are ye, 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. 23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:22‑23).
ML-07/11/1976