Q14 What has been the cry of those who have been oppressed or martyred for their faithfulness to God?
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Psalm 6:3
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [having] sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 13:1,2
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, Psalm 35:17
O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom. Psalm 74:10,11.
How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? Psalm 89:46
LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage. Psalm 94:3-5
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Revelation 6:10.
NOTE: So many people ask where God was when some evil happened. It seems at times as if God takes no action in the things of this world but allows evil to thrive. Others ask the question, why does God not intervene. The fact of the matter is that those working for the evil one are entirely dedicated to the project of their master. Those who call themselves followers of God are not living and speaking as witnesses for Him with that same dedication and so the sheep and the goats have not been entirely formed allowing God to bring an end to all evil.
At that point Jesus will be able to say, ‘He that is filthy, let Him be filthy still; and He that is holy let Him be holy still’. Revelation 22:11. Unshakeable choices will have been made for or against the living God. This is why He waits. What will be your response?
Q15 With what words does God forbid us to avenge ourselves against evil?
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
Q16 How are we to react to those who do evil to us?
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: ... Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:20,21.
Q17 What level of reward will God bring on the persecutors and oppressors of those who have been faithful to God?
18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. Revelation 18:6
Q18 What comfort will the Second Coming of Jesus bring to those who have suffered for being faithful to God?
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:8,9. |
