11/07/2018
Do we feel that we are threatened because of our faith today; are we treated as though our beliefs are bland and harmless, without danger to those who rule and practice sinfulness with impunity, or perhaps placated by those who pretend to be Friends of Jesus? Strong enemies are confronted carefully in battle by an opponent’s strengths, subtle enemies by discernment, so where does the Church stand today... not just externally, but on the internal battlefields of righteousness?
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”Acts 4:29-31 ESV
A common goal does not justify friendship with sin, and alliances with sinners is always unacceptable. As I watch the world today it becomes very clear that half-truths, innuendo, and misleading promises of those with a dark agenda, has become an art form. People of faith are misled from all sides, and yet they still rub shoulders with the devil; knowing full well who he is. In today’s world we should be a people who stands apart from all of this, and stop forming alliances towards worldly agendas that seem good, but are based on compromise. Being tolerant of those we feel are less sinful than ourselves, rather than having a desire to be pure, is like our becoming salt that has lost its flavor.
“And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'—”Acts 4:24-26 ESV
On the world stage the Church is being used and corrupted by those in power, and out of expedience and indifference it is being allowed to happen. Pulpits preach politics in the name of Jesus around the world, and this has become an acceptable practice. When the faithful partner with those who are without faith they become like tainted salt indeed, and this is the downfall of the Church.
Recently there was a horrific act of violence at a synagogue in which 11 Jewish people were shot to death. This was a bold act of murder and sinfulness, But as I watched the news I saw a Christian pastor with venom and hatred in her voice accost the president of her country as he tried to console those who mourned. She had succumbed to the darkness and yet claimed to be pure. She had been captured by one enemy to be used against someone she deemed to be another. She had lost her way, and had lost her saltiness... there was no love or humility in her.
“"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.”Matthew 5:13 ESV
Salt is a mineral, and when pure is good to the taste, but when combined with corrupting materials, then it is no good for cooking, or flavoring food... it loses its value. Did you know that there was a time when salt was more valuable than gold? This is where the word “salary” came from, but today it is on every grocery shelf, and in every pantry. The Church, and faith, have become much like salt... what hasn’t become corrupted by extraneous materials (sin), has become immaterial by its commonplace existence. Our faith by either association with the sins of the world, or our Church, by having a church building on every corner whose congregation can’t act like they believe together as one, have devalued what once was of great value.
When I was a boy the kids in the neighborhood would gather together after school to play, and for the most part we played well together. However, there was one boy who, when he came out to play, would use his cunning, and deceitfulness to cause discord and fights. Whenever he showed up fights would eventually erupt. His influence was subtle, and he didn’t instigate trouble outright... he was the master of subtlety, intrigue, and used the weaknesses of one against the strengths of another. He never appeared to be guilty when a fight erupted... yet his influence was the catalyst, and he took great pleasure in it.... this manipulation made him powerful.
“"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”Matthew 7:15-16 ESV
In this political season, I watch politics in the United States, and it is interesting.... there are those like the boy on the playground who secretly sow discord, and then there are those who feel strong enough to act with impunity against the children of faith... which is worse, and is one more dangerous than the other? No, they are equally of the dark one, and destructive towards the faith and righteousness of believers.
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”Romans 16:17-19 ESV
So, abandon the discord of he who is in the world, and latch once more to Jesus Christ, who says “give unto Cesar what is Cesar’s.” Our quest isn’t for world peace, or worldly laws... it is for the personal peace of God, and His laws. Our concern is not for princes or principalities, but towards righteousness, holiness and solidarity with one another in Christ. Don’t get caught in the snare of Satan who would drag you down into the world with Him... tend to your faith and let God rule the destiny of the world. Trust the Father to place His Son on its throne.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who your Word tells us will sit on the throne of the earth in due time. Help us Holy Father to avoid the snares of Satan who would undermine our faith in the name of something that looks like goodness on earth. Teach us Merciful Father to trust in you alone, and always look to you in our times of need. Rescue those you have called to stand in your pulpits from their desire to be powerful in the world, and leaders of sinners without first leading them from their sin, rescue them from wandering astray, and lead them to help others to come unto you. Open our eyes Gracious Father to the journey we are on, and help us see that it is a personal walk in which no other man or government can take our steps for us, and whose steps we cannot walk for them. Lead us to righteousness, and lift our Church above this world. Remove the wolves from within our midst, and the enemies from our gates Lord. You are the one true God, and your Son Jesus Christ alone is our Savior, our Redeemer! Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who seats kings, and removes them. Holy are you my God who goes before me, and lifts up nations in righteousness, and brings them down again when they lose sight of you, but in all of this you are faithful, and never lose sight of me.
“Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah”Psalms 9:20 ESV
Rich Forbes