08/02/2020
As Christians, are we surprised to be looked down upon, slighted, and rejected by the world? Does it upset us that, because of our faith, we are not liked, or revered by those around us, even our families, and those who we once called our friends? Yet we knew this would happen when we were called by Him to come. We knew this would be our burden, and also knew it would make us acceptable in the eyes of God. We are living stones meant to construct a spiritual house... not for worldly habitation, but in service to God our Father.
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior while a young boy, but doing so set me apart from those around me, and made me an object of ridicule, and the brunt of many jokes among my friends who were not Christians. I still hear them jeering... “Goody two shoes!”’, and saying things like “Do you think you are better than us?” when I would refuse to do things that I felt Jesus wouldn’t do, or that scripture said was wrong. Later in life I faced these same rejections as an adult, and was discriminated against for my faith, especially when I was seen to be carrying His cross...
“Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!””
Luke 23:20-21 ESV
I would like to tell you that I always handled this well, but I went through certain times in my life when I hid my faith in order to be accepted, and did things I am not proud of today so that I would fit into the world. Peer pressure, and the desire to be accepted by those who have been successful in the world, is a powerful temptation. Fear is also powerful, as Peter found out in his denial of Jesus. So, I dare say that many of you are facing these same temptations now, and I pray that you will handle them well, better than me, and better than Peter. I pray that you will resist the temptation that both Peter, and I, succumbed to in our days, and that you will not lose sight of the fact that you are precious to God, and a living stone in His spiritual house. I urge you even as Peter did when he wrote these words...
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
1 Peter 2:11-12 ESV
In today’s world the Church is under relentless attack, and as its Christian members... so are we! This is nothing new. Jesus didn’t call us to follow Him down a straight and easy road to eternal reward, no, He called us to a challenging transformation filled with hardships and temptation. When Jesus told us to pick up our cross and follow Him, it was certain to be physically painful in this world, but in the end, when our stone is rolled away, we are promised an eternity that is spiritually rewarding.
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:12 ESV
Today we should face the persecution and hardships brought against us by the world with confidence, and anticipation. Those who are caught unaware when the lost souls of a fallen world turn against them have not read the gospel in its entirety. These are not times for fear as Peter succumbed to, or self serving denial like I yielded to, but for unwavering faith, and belief in God, and Jesus Christ. Are we ready to hold firm in the face of great trial, and to walk the main avenues of life with our cross shouldered like a lamp... meant for all to see?
““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the many hardships and challenges in our lives. Lead us Lord through our times of doubt and fear so that our faith, and love, for you might be strengthened, and become stronger than steel. Thank you for your Son Jesus who taught us by His example what a life of holiness consists of, and thank you for the denial of Peter who showed us our human frailty, and how to overcome it. Thank you for showing us time and again your forgiving nature, and the perfect grace you offer us through Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who lifts us up when we stumble, and kisses our cheek when we come before you in contrition, weeping the tears of our remorse. We praise you now and always for the stripes that we receive in life, and say great are you our God whose Holy Spirit rubs salve on these our worldly wounds. Perfect are you in your mercy and grace when we have denied you, or hidden our lights of faith from souls who need guidance, and seek you desperately. Hear this our prayer that we might be strengthened, and lifted up on your mighty wings above the reach of those who would harm us. Roll away the stone from our tomb, and let the world see that we are not afraid, or influenced by them, but are your chosen... precious in your sight, and made living stones in your house forevermore.
“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.”
Luke 22:61-62 ESV
Rich Forbes