Good Morning Friends,
I guess persecution has its place, but in most situations, we do want to be recognized for the positive not the negative things, even to the point of competing for attention. And something about this misses the point of keeping the focus on Jesus. We can be our own worst enemy sometimes. We can be stubborn like Jonah, or we can learn to love like Peter. Our very spirit can be detrimental or conducive to forwarding the purpose of Christianity. And an interesting thing is happening in this regard in the forming of the early church that is instructive for us today as well. As more people each day are getting a little stir crazy from the lock down, maybe there is a message for us in the experience of those called Christians who were being persecuted by both the Sanhedrin and the Rulers of Rome in the early church. They too congregated in homes and initially practiced some degree of social distancing. And yet onlookers were amazed at these early Christian’s motivations and behaviors on the front line in the risk of death. It was not fear of God’s wrath that moved them but belief in Jesus and a love for even those who might hurt them. Somehow, they overcame their natural instincts. And so too must we when it comes to practicing our faith. So, Are We Willing To Put The Attention On Jesus?
Scripture: When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.
Acts 5:27-33 (NRSV)
The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.
John 3:31-36 (NRSV)
Message: In today’s storyline we see the apostles displaying unity and great courage. They are boldly preaching the Gospel despite being warned against it. Those in power wanted to kill them and be rid of the pesky sect. But onlookers, seeing the deeds of followers of Christ, saw that they were living moral lives, taking care of their families, and strangers, and the poor, and relating well to their neighbors. So, persecution made the killers look both unjust and intolerant. It also made the Christian faith look worthy of attention, and good enough so that its adherents would die rather than give it up. The tipping point was love. It had to be love. And today around the world Christians are being persecuted for their faith too. Thousands will die and millions will be persecuted this year. But in the Covid-19 pandemic, I wonder if authorities in those nations where it is illegal to own a Bible, share your faith, or change your faith are as aggressive in their persecution. Our job as Christians is to make sure we deliver on love in the lives of the people we meet each day for that is the only path to peace in the face of challenge. Communities of love protect. The important idea to take away from this, I believe, is that belief in Jesus Christ must be accompanied by obedience to His word and the law of love which includes loving one’s self too. One cannot be a disciple of Christ without hearing and heeding His message of loving God and loving our neighbor in a way that brings health to communities. In the face of persecution as in the face of pandemics this is the only path of salvation. Now indeed some might see God’s wrath in all this, it is the controversial bit in today’s scripture, but it brings us back to a focus all about God’s unbelievable love for each human, and God’s total abhorrence for sin. We, like God, should hate the sin but love the sinner…even our enemies, the unseen ones, as well as the one in the mirror.
And So, today we have some of the proof text on why we must work in collaboration, cooperation and coordination in the community. And it is also the proof text, when read in the context of the scripture around it, as to why this is so difficult for work to be connected to the branches of the local communities and growing as a vine of Christ. For example, in the text from John, the context is about being born again and how we must model the actions of John the Baptist, to decrease so that Christ can increase. It is in the same chapter of our text from Acts we have the story of how Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property to give to the church but conspired to keep part of the proceeds. Those in power in the religious institutions of the day did not like the idea of giving up power. They did not much like the disciples telling stories that undermined their power. Today we have a similar problem in who gets the money promised for a purpose. Thankfully the gospel of John offers a clear example of living out our faith for and with a focus on the one who redeemed us. That is the key. Indeed, all of us can miss the mark by putting the focus on ourselves and not Christ. The big idea here is that the focus must be on Jesus. And the reality is that we will have both internal and external erosion of this foundation of our faith if we do not. The focus must be on Christ. And it must be this way because only in the Spirit of Jesus can we truly have collaboration, cooperation and coordination. And only with Christ can we communicate how to have a life which is everlasting. And only with a focus on Jesus do we receive the Spirit. And the amazing thing is that when we trust Jesus, we are given the truth and when we receive Jesus in our lives, we share in the ability to work in a way that glorifies God. It really is that simple and in the early church as today it is nevertheless a challenge. It takes the courage of Christ in us if we hope to truly share our faith. The disciples and early Christians willingly suffered persecution and even death, because they had found something more important than fear. The disciples and early Christians also understood that it was necessary to both do good works and give witness to their faith. The two had to be combined to carry forward the ministry of Jesus. Like the disciples, it is important for us to go against the crowd, risk the judgment of others, and courageously, lovingly, boldly share our faith. Be “all in” friends. Even in the face of challenges.
Pray we not miss the point that the new covenant in Christ is still relevant for our time. Pray we be focused on God’s renewal in Christ and how it renews and protects us in communities of faith. Pray we realize that places of worship are not to be about who is more popular but about who is faithful. Pray therefore we courageously open our lives to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Pray we without fear continue the ministry of Jesus Christ adapting to the times. Pray we be channels of God’s love and grace in changing the world to transform it for our health and salvation. Pray we reflect the characteristics of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Pray that the laws of our own country and their application not ignore our deepest need to love and be loved. Pray the words of our leaders not be empty air when it comes to the greatest love of all. Pray our heritage not be stripped away by those who would outlaw the Spirit of God. Pray we realize that love of God and neighbor is the only thing that will meet our deepest need.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 