Praise from others often acts as a significant motivator for many people. Most are inspired to improve their performance based on the accolades they receive. Yet, this stands in contrast to Jesus’ teachings, who encouraged His followers to take joy in persecution and highlighted the significance of performing good deeds without seeking public acclaim (Matthew 6:1-4). True believers aim to please God alone, indifferent to the judgments of those around them. The work of the divine frequently defies human standards, as demonstrated by Jesus’ crucifixion. Human disapproval can sometimes be a sign of divine approval, confirming the worth of one’s actions.
Many individuals become disheartened by the absence of encouragement from their fellow Christians. Yet, this contrasts with those who partake in Christian activities without seeking personal gain. Numerous praiseworthy deeds of Christianity remain unrecognized, while others receive notable acclaim. For devout Christians aiming to please God, facing challenges and disapproval serves as motivation. Conversely, for those pursuing Christianity for personal benefits, public recognition is their driving force.
Advocating for truth can sometimes be detrimental to one’s physical well-being. The more one advocates for truth, the more they may face physical confrontation. Following Christianity can be likened to a path of self-sacrifice; however, unlike a hopeless suicidal path, Christianity is pursued with hope. While the crucifixion of Jesus is emphasized, the earthly fates of the early disciples are less documented. Scriptural records do not depict Christians as having an easy life on Earth. Paul, for instance, is noted for his exceptional diligence in his letters, yet there is no scriptural account of public accolades for his contributions to spreading God’s word.
Christianity is often portrayed as the most prevalent religion. Yet, upon closer scrutiny, it becomes apparent that many representations of Christianity may not be authentic. The teachings of Jesus are not always reflected accurately in mainstream Christian Orthodoxy. This discrepancy endangers those practising genuine Christianity, which frequently confronts Orthodox traditions. Historically, individuals embodying the essence of true Christianity were labelled heretics. Currently, there is a semblance of tolerance, but it is uncertain if this will continue. The Book of Revelation foretells difficult times ahead for devout Christians.
“Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:13-17 NKJV).
The “great eagle” is commonly seen as a symbol of divine intervention and safeguarding. It appears in verse 14, where the woman symbolizing the faithful, receives the wings of a great eagle to escape into the wilderness, away from the dragon (commonly interpreted as Satan). This symbol resonates with Old Testament passages where eagles signify God’s safeguarding and liberation of His people, similar to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. However, in Christianity, that deliverance should be limited to the spiritual deliverance, more than manifested in the physical deliverance of Israel.
The passage refers to a parabolic prophecy, not easily comprehensible to those it is not intended for. The phrase “time, times, and half a time” is interpreted as three and a half years, paralleling the duration of Jesus’ ministry. The Book of Revelation, authored by John, a disciple of Jesus, provides insights into future events rather than past occurrences. The figure of the woman, who bears a male child, is thought to represent a Church giving birth to a Spiritual Son of God, not recognized by the secular world.
The woman represents God’s Church, hidden from the general public. The Church, depicted as a woman bearing a son, remains out of public sight. It is depicted as being sustained in a state of seclusion. The Son, born from the Church of God, might be the prophetic figure foretold in the Book of Malachi: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives” (Malachi 4:5). A few things have to be understood about the prophetic Elijah. Jesus gave a tip in revealing the significance of the Elijah.
And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:10-13 NKJV).
The antitype of the referred Elijah was John the Baptist. But the Elijah that is spoken of by Malachi should be understood as coming before the second coming of Jesus. That would not be commonly identified, according to Jesus. His mandate is to restore everything that was originally taught by Jesus Christ. The dragon’s rage, symbolized in water, is reported as having been swallowed up by the earth, thereby sparing the woman who is flown into the wilderness. Hence, the voice of the referred Elijah is said to be crying in the wilderness.
The expression “a voice crying in the wilderness” originates from the Bible, appearing in Isaiah 40:3 and echoed in the New Testament Gospels, identifying John the Baptist as the precursor to Jesus Christ. The King James Version (KJV) states: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” It is believed that this passage may specifically refer to the prophetic figure of Elijah highlighted in the Book of Revelation as the “Male Child”.
Elijah may not proclaim himself as such, yet his deeds could be evident to those whom God wishes to enlighten. The second coming of Jesus aims to re-establish the throne of David, as depicted in Revelation 20. The thousand-year reign is symbolically represented as the Day of the Lord. The preceding six thousand years are unrelated to the Lord, as suggested by one of the Commandments given to the Israelites.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it, you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11 NKJV).
In the scripture referenced above, the Israelites were commanded to perform their work for six days and to keep the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord their God. On this day, they were to abstain from all work, dedicating the day to the Lord. This practice foreshadowed the millennial Sabbath described in Revelation 20. As stated in 2 Peter 3:8, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.”
A central tenet of Christianity is that the true Christian Church stands in contrast to what is widely recognized as representative of Christianity. The hallmark of the genuine Church is its absence of endorsement from the mainstream. Its representatives are not motivated by human acclaim. Instead, they concentrate solely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, disregarding worldly judgments. They find joy in persecution, viewing it as the definitive indication of divine favour.
While common folk may assume that Jesus was deified, He never sought such adoration. Primarily, His disciples saw Him as their Master, a view not widely held by the general public or the religious authorities of the era. He embodied traits contrary to those typically associated with divinity. Consequently, it’s clear that His followers would not be among those seeking human validation. To the religious authorities of His era, Jesus was often viewed as a figure of disruption, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.
A prevalent human trait is the exchange of praise. Many aspire to be glorified by their peers, often equating this with success or achievement. Some Christians may prioritize pleasing others over God, seeking human accolades. While being honoured is seen as a significant accomplishment in this world, in true Christianity, it is conversely the acceptance of dishonour that is deemed the greatest achievement.
“But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
“I do not receive honour from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honour from one another, and do not seek the honour that comes from the only God?” (John 5:38-44 NKJV).
Jesus endured treatment that should be no different from that experienced by those representing Him. The encouragement for those aiming to please God is to eschew the expectation of worldly praise. Although praise may frequently come from others, as it did for Jesus, a Christian finds contentment solely in pleasing God. The teachings of Jesus should echo profoundly with those who genuinely represent Christ today.
Christians are not judged by the number of converts they bring to Christianity, but rather by their resilience in the face of criticism from others. Adapting to meet the expectations of the general public is not a measure of faithfulness to the promises made. Jesus did not aim to please others; instead, His mission incited confrontations with the Jewish leaders. He defied the prevailing expectations, which ultimately led to His crucifixion. His followers are those expected to go through similar experiences, as well.
Knowing that his time was limited, the devil is depicted as waging war on the remnants, those described as bearing the testimony of Jesus Christ: “And the dragon was furious with the woman, and he went to wage war on the rest of her offspring, who obey God’s commandments and hold the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17 NKJV). Clinging to the truth can be thrilling, yet it comes at the cost of facing the wrath of the infuriated dragon. To be forewarned is to be prepared. This battle is not to preserve the body, but to challenge the spiritual integrity of the individuals involved. To triumph spiritually may mean to perish physically.
The true measure of a Christian is reflected in their response to persecution. The distinction between true and false Christians becomes apparent during such times. A false Christian may compromise in the face of death, whereas a true Christian embraces their faith’s responsibilities and faces death with contentment, recognizing it as the ultimate affirmation of their devotion to God. Knowledge plays a crucial role, equipping one to remain conscious and prepared for such trials. Just as Jesus faced His ordeal at Gethsemane with courage, His followers are similarly defined by their steadfastness amidst adversity.
The true test for authentic Christians lies in confronting pride and cowardice, traits that are prevalent throughout humanity. Standing up for the truth can be incredibly challenging, as the enemy’s most potent weapons are cowardice and pride. Every Christian is called to stand firm individually during such trying times. The constant reminder of Jesus’ actions in the Garden of Gethsemane may provide the needed strength to face these challenges. Christianity should always be approached with solemnity and dedication.
The early disciples encountered significant challenges. Historical records suggest they met their demise through the actions of their adversaries. They believed that facing death in a manner akin to Jesus was the ultimate honour. This sentiment is echoed in the experiences of the subsequent generations facing adversity. Jesus Christ was perpetually cognizant of the unfolding events that would culminate in His Crucifixion. Similarly, the Book of Revelation aims to prepare God’s followers for the events that precede their periods of trial.
Assuming one is on the right path merely because of receiving abundant praise from worldly individuals can be misleading. True validation of being on the right path often comes through harsh criticism from the same. Throughout history, Christians have awaited the end times, and it appears that we have now reached this pivotal era. John authored the Book of Revelation, which is to be witnessed by those fortunate enough to be alive in these times. Regrettably, most will never comprehend the messages contained within that Book. In a similar vein, those present during Jesus’ time were unable to recognize the significance of the events unfolding around them.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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