Wednesday, April 4, 2007
*Read thoughtfully:* Mark 13:13-15
/Dear Lord, remember me in my times of struggles with others that I
might reflect your glory, love them with your love, and know your peace
despite the turmoil of this world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen./
Isn’t it something that Jesus tells us very clearly that we are going to
have difficulties resulting from our faith in and love for Him? And He
doesn’t say it is going to be a little bit, does He? From Judea, in
other words “the powers that be”, the governing authorities, to your own
house. He is warning us about this in order that we might not be
surprised and startled. Why? When we are prepared for the challenge it
is easier for us to steel ourselves against the onslaught. In this way
we are more likely to behave in a way that brings God glory, rather than
in a way that might be MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction).
I know when I am blindsided in life two things happen. First I am hurt.
Usually a blind side occurs from a source I initially trusted. It may be
a bit naive, but I don’t expect those in formal authority over me to
hurt me. I still have the idea that they are there to protect me, help
me live in harmony with others, and generally assist me when the need is
there. So when laws are passed that allow others to offend me, and even
offend my beliefs, it hurts. One way in which this might be illustrated
is the ”state” (Judea) allowing lewd and lascivious things to invade my
line of sight and rather than protecting me from that, they protect
those that would project those images onto innocent bystanders.
Or how about when my family or closest friends do things that are
hurtful? I am not expecting those I trust to betray me or be set against
me; they are my family, friends and confidants. But Jesus is telling us
in this passage: be clear, it will happen, fallen things happen in a
fallen world. He is saying DON’T be surprised.
The second thing that happens when I get blindsided is I get angry and
want to lash out to return the hurt. Jesus is telling us that we need to
be prepared for this so we do not lash out. He knows if we are not
surprised we are more likely to respond in a loving, forgiving way, and
in that response we can be a witness to His Lordship in our lives.
All this is not to say we should go around in a defensive posture with
our walls of self protection up and guarded. No, Jesus is actually
freeing us up from this because of His spirit that dwells within us. It
is He who gives us the calm in the storm. . . . //
. . . Today is a day to be a witness to others of the love of Jesus.
Be blessed by the blessing you give, and have a Spirit filled day.
Pastor Dan Helix, Awakenings Christian Church