A Challenge to the Church

Matthew 10:28 

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

I have a number of conflicting emotions that are going on in my heart and mind this morning. 

I feel fear as I wonder if I am watching the downfall of America.

I feel joyous anticipation as I realize what this could mean for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

I feel sorrow as I realize how many are living in fear of a virus and seeking to find their consolation in the idols of this world, instead of turning to the One True God.

The world is a chalice brimming with vulnerability, as chaos shakes the foundations of society, it jostles too that precarious vessel and the anxiety of mankind is more clearly seen - My heart aches, but also rejoices - what an incredible opportunity for the world to see the children of God respond to the unknown with peaceful confidence in our Risen Lord, and with the love with which He has equipped us in the Beloved. 

    Despite the euphoria of anticipation, the reality of life in this present age can direct the human mind to dismal prospects. Rome, in all her debauched glory, had her rise and fall. Does not every nation face the same? 

Will our flag continue to be a symbol of world power and freedom?

Is our way of life as we know it beginning to fall apart?

"America, land that I love..."

Even with all its flaws, her history holds a special place in my heart. 

Her people make me shake my head, the hot-headed, doggedly-determined, passionate blood of the patriots of old clearly still runs in our veins. 

However, as I've seen the way that people have responded to rights and freedoms being allegedly violated, I want to weep. 

We have, perhaps, glorified too much in our rebellious past. 

There is of course a time to speak, but there is also a time for silence. 

Our forefathers speak eloquently of the grievances against them, but they did not hasten to take up arms. Their first instinct was not, as modern minds tend to conclude, to separate from Great Britain. 

They desired change, this is evident - but they sought it for the sake of posterity, for the sake of the common good, not for the mere sake of one's personal convenience: 

"If it was possible for men, who exercise their reason, to believe, that the Divine Author of our existence intended a part of the human race to hold an absolute property in, and an unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite goodness and wisdom, as the objects of a legal domination never rightfully resistible, however severe and oppressive, the Inhabitants of these Colonies might at least require from the Parliament of Great Britain some evidence, that this dreadful authority over them, has been granted to that body. But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for the attainment of that end. The legislature of Great Britain, however, stimulated by an inordinate passion for a power, not only unjustifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly reprobated by the very constitution of that kingdom, and desperate of success in any mode of contest, where regard should be had to truth, law, or right, have at length, deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of enslaving these Colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to close with their last appeal from Reason to Arms.--Yet, however blinded that assembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to slight justice and the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound, by obligations of respect to the rest of the world, to make known the justice of our cause."

"But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for the attainment of that end. The legislature of Great Britain, however, stimulated by an inordinate passion for a power, not only unjustifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly reprobated by the very constitution of that kingdom, and desperate of success in any mode of contest, where regard should be had to truth, law, or right, have at length, deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of enslaving these Colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to close with their last appeal from Reason to Arms.--Yet, however blinded that assembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to slight justice and the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound, by obligations of respect to the rest of the world, to make known the justice of our cause."

(Library of Congress, Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking up Arms, July 6, 1775)

This document is so rich with eloquence, honesty, and yet it is tempered with respect. 

While I feel that a case for temperance and humility, in these present hours, can be easily made based solely on our nation's history, I caution myself and you, my beloved brothers and sisters, ought our hope to be so firmly bound in the words and deeds of earthly men?

Has my thought process been determined by the star-spangled banner, when it ought to have been shaped by the blood-stained cross and the empty tomb?

We rush to proclaim that our rights are being withheld,

We stockpile our weapons,

We hoard our goods,

We rebel against the mandates of our government under the guise of, "religious liberty" and, "having rights"

We laud the Constitution and speak in anger of our country's leaders,

We call out the perceived selfishness or foolishness of our neighbors.

I realize how "unpatriotic" this all sounds, truly, my blood boils too! 

I love American history, I love our Constitution, I have no desire for the government to control me or my family. I believe in the values and rights that have been set forth in our founding documents, and the words of our forefathers. 

I am not saying that these things are inherently evil or out of place, in the midst of them though, where is our confidence being placed? 

Is it in our hidden storehouses? 

Is it in our nation's laws? 

Is it it in the majority political party, and how they handle situations? 

There is always a time and a place for people to speak up, and have a voice. For example, when the rights of those who cannot help themselves are being trampled upon, when God's word is being violated and participation is mandated.

Dear brothers and sisters, is now truly the time to raise our voices in dissent?

Let us examine ourselves and consider if it is not just for such a time as this that our Sovereign Lord has chosen to place us in this country, in this day, under the leadership that we are for the sake of His glory? 

Titus 3:1-3

"Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another."

Romans 12:18

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

1 Peter 2:13-19

"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. "

In whom does our manner of conduct indicate we are placing our trust? 

Does our reaction to our governing authorities show the respect that we have been commanded to show? 

Do our interactions with one another show love?

Will unbelievers be able to look at the church in America and ask for the reason of our hope? 

Will they note the love that we have for one another because of Christ? 

1 Peter 3:15-16

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. "

Brothers and sisters, we do not have to live in fear - no, indeed! 

We have been given incredible opportunities in this.

By choosing to respect the authorities, and remain in our homes for the sake of not spreading this virus, are we not demonstrating that we value the lives of others over our own comforts and conveniences?

May I challenge us to recall our stances on abortion? We argue that one should never be allowed to take another's life, especially not just for the idol of comfort.

Is that not what we are threatening to do though when we refuse to take the prescribed precautions because it is not according to our personal preferences? 

We have become so comfortable here in America, most of us have no idea what persecution really is. Are we so quickly to be shaken when difficulties come our way? 

Let us not fear, let us be bolstered by the knowledge that our Lord is working for His good plan and purpose, and to make His saints into His image.

Our home is not on this earth, our inheritance is secure and awaiting us in heaven. 

Hebrews 13:14

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."

Our commission on this earth is to be ambassadors for Christ! 

Here too is another incredible opportunity - Can you fathom the amazing works of grace that we could witness in the lives of the unbelievers around us as they are faced with this time of stress, anxiety, fear, uncertainty? 

Christ is the answer.

2 Corinthians 5:20

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

 Church, we know this!!! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! 

John 14:6

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Colossians 3:1

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

It is only in Him that mankind can find hope and refuge. 

It is not often that the chalice of vulnerability is so shaken throughout an entire nation, let us not waste this opportunity to do good, to show love, to speak truth. 

We are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses, let us not grow weary in this race, let us press on towards the prize of the upward calling of Christ - Dear ones, let us not give up hope. 

We know the end of the story, whatever happens here on earth is fading and passing away, Christ has overcome, and our eternal home awaits.

Be strong and of good courage! 

Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

John 13:35

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Psalm 31:24

"Be strong and take heart,

all you who hope in the Lord."