Page 40 - The Gate and the Way

These words that describe the response of Christ to His attackers are applied to those
who would follow in His steps.

Romans 8:36
Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were
considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

The apostle Peter testified that Christ did not strive with man. Instead, He entrusted
His soul to His Father when enemies arose against Him. Peter presents Christ to the saints
as the pattern we are to emulate.

I Peter 2:21-23
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving
you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any
deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while
suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges
righteously...

As we observe the life of Christ we find the following pattern. When He was faced with
persecution, even crucifixion and death, Christ was silent before man. When He was
threatened, He did not threaten in return. When He was reviled, He did not defend His own
reputation. When brought before man’s courts Christ was silent.

Mark 15:3-5
And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then
Pilate asked Him again, saying, "Do You answer nothing? See how many things they
testify against You!" But Yahshua still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

The counterpart to this silence before man is that Christ DID make His petition before
the Father. Yahshua pleaded with the Father to deliver Him, if it be His will to do so.
Ultimately, Christ surrendered to whatever the Father chose for Him to experience.

Luke 22:42
"Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be
done."

John 12:27-28
"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this
hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Thy name."

Yahweh has shown me that this is the pattern His saints are to follow when they are
facing persecution. He has directed me repeatedly to not strive with man. Even when I have
been brought before the courts of this world, I have been instructed to not argue, accuse, nor
to present a defense. Like Christ, my petition has been lifted up to the Judge who sits on
high. I have made my plea to Yahweh, and I have accepted whatever He should choose for
me before I have faced those who judge on earth.
This is a most important matter. As sons of God we must always discern that the