Yesterday’s news brought the story of the arrest of a small band of men in Michigan who were planning to kill a police officer, then to engage in more violence at the funeral of the officer that would kill many law enforcement personnel. All this, they hoped, would spark a national revolution. They were reputed to be thinking this was part of the return of Christ, that they were, in their violence, preparing to be a part of His army of the Apocalypse. Whether the media got it right is always an open question, but the word, “Christian” figured prominently in every story. This comes hard on the heels of the ongoing headlines about the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests and the failure of church leaders to act decisively to stop it. How sad I am that the foolishness of sinful men darkens the glory of the Lord!
Let’s make it our prayer that nothing in what we say or do disgraces the Name of Jesus! The Hutaree (that what’s the men in Michigan called themselves) missed the message of hope in the Gospel in a big way. They ignored the clear call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked that is the true work of those who are in the Lord’s ‘army’ of righteousness. (See Matthew 25:34) My guess is that they let fear take over as the changing times made them feel insecure. So, instead of trusting God, they bought guns! What a tragedy in so many ways. I’m guessing that many of those priests who abused kids for their own gratification, somehow justified their perversion by calling it ‘love.’ Too often Church bishops covered up the sins of those pedophiles because they, too, thought it was the expedient choice.
Disciple, we must humble ourselves before the Lord, again and again. Nothing can replace transparency before God and others. If we are afraid, we need to acknowledge our fear, even if it makes us tremble and cry. In our weakness, we will find ourselves comforted, not by our own control, but by His promise. If we are struggling with temptation, we need not stuff our urges into some dark corner of our mind. Rather, we confess them to our Savior and a trusted confessor. In naming them, they lose power to overtake us. When we sin, and we will, we quickly repent and God promises that “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. … My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous." (1 John 1:9, 2:1, NLT)
And, we must choose to do right things! No disciple can be passive. We are called to be passionate people in the service of the Lord. A person who actively engages in caring for others, who worships whole-heartedly, who is growing in faith; will be drawn into the beauty of holiness and thus, reflect the glory of Christ into the wider world.
Here are words from the Word. May they call you to do the right things, for God’s sake, today.
"If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." (1 Peter 2:20, NIV)
"You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." (1 Peter 3:15-16, NLT)
"It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! … So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it." (1 Peter 4:17, 19 The Message)
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Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.
I wanna take Your Word
And shine it all around.
First help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well,
Help me to never seek a crown,
For my reward is giving glory to You.
Oh Lord You're Beautiful
Green, Keith
© 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
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