“When Saturday is gone, one will find Sunday.”
~Christian Arab proverb

The proverb above has become prophecy fulfilled.  Just as the “Saturday people” (the Jews) were persecuted and driven from their land in 722 BC by Assyria, the “Sunday people” (Christians) are being persecuted and driven from their homes today in Iraq and Syria.  On the eve of the Six Day War in 1967, Muslims could be heard chanting, “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people.”  Can you “hear the chants” of ISIS and other militant jihadist groups today?

I was struck by this picture of tent #68 in a northern Iraqi refugee camp.  It is called the “Jesus Tent,” and translated, the message reads: “Jesus is the Light of the world.”  Having fled from ISIS to a “safe” place, Iraqi Christians have chosen to shine the light of Jesus in a place of desperation.  Jesus sees…Jesus knows…and Jesus has reserved a place in heaven for those dear saints!  Praise God!  Heaven will be such a fascinating place with believers who exercise their faith in so many different ways.

But back to the proverb…Saturday is past and Sunday is here.  Militant Islamic groups are hell-bent on persecuting not only the “Saturday people,” and not only the “Sunday people” of the Mideast, but the “Saturday and Sunday people” found all over the world.  ISIS most assuredly has its sights set on Israel, Europe, America and anywhere else infidels (Christians) may dwell.  Are we ready for it?  Will we be as bold as the inhabitants of tent #68?  Will our lives shine the light of Jesus when persecution comes?

May I encourage you in two ways today?

1. Take a moment to read It is Now Sunday in the Middle East, an article published by the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem.  It is profound, and leads you to practical ways in which to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
2. In a world filled with evil and chaos, there is hope…the Blessed Hope, Jesus Himself.  He brings peace amidst the turmoil and comfort amidst the strife.  Perhaps you know someone in strife today.  Why not encourage them with the words Jesus spoke to His disciples when they were in need of comfort?  Share the verses below…I know they are meant for someone!

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. …Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
~John 14:1-3, 27

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
~John 16:33