China continues its crackdown on Christians. In December, more than 160 members of the Early Rain Covenant church were arrested, along with their pastor, Wang Yi. Pastor Wang anticipated this and had prepared a statement to be released should he be imprisoned for more than 48 hours (as posted by China Aid):
“The calling that I have received requires me to use non-violent methods to disobey those human laws that disobey the Bible and God. My Savior Christ also requires me to joyfully bear all costs for disobeying wicked laws … The goal of disobedience is not to change the world but to testify about another world … If God decides to use the persecution of this Communist regime against the church to help more Chinese people to despair of their futures, to lead them through a wilderness of spiritual disillusionment and through this to make them know Jesus, if through this he continues disciplining and building up his church, then I am joyfully willing to submit to God’s plans, for his plans are always benevolent and good.”
Honor Pastor Wang’s faith, Lord. Shelter and strengthen him and others who are persecuted for your sake. Build that dedication into our souls. Teach us to be obedient to your call.
His statement is sobering, courageous, and powerful. Prayer is needed.
“A wilderness of spiritual disillusionment.” That’s a powerful prayer image, for us as well as China.