…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
- Acts 5:41
Where is the line in the sand drawn? What is acceptable sacrifice? For you… for me?
Peter and the Apostles (sounds like a 60's one-hit-wonder pop group) were arrested for teaching in the name of Jesus. They were doing what was right, fulfilling their commission from Jesus.
They were arrested by those who were wrong; wrong motives, wrong hearts. Where is the justice?
During the night in jail an angel shows up, opens the door to the cell and tells the men to go back to what they were doing. Justice! (I love how Luke almost makes it a side note that an angel shows up... and that the men weren't shocked!)
Peter and the Apostles go back to their mission. Once again they are detained. (Note that they go willingly.) Peter unapologetically lays out the message of Jesus to the leaders, who are enraged by it, and him. But what can they do to someone with no fear? Someone who is willing to sacrifice?
The leaders threaten the Apostles… no good. They've seen angels and walked with a living dead man. In another seeming side note, Luke writes, "They (the officials) beat them and…" Wait! What? Broken noses, split lips, bruised and cut… Where is the justice? And what is the response of these men? Anger? Revenge? Whining? No, these guys REJOICED they could suffer for Jesus!
The message of TV Christianity is not one of sacrifice and surrender. It is instead, self-focused; "What can God do for me?" It is an extreme divergence from the call to, "Take up your cross and follow me." True faith is not clean and comfortable. It is messy (because we are all a mess) and seldom comfortable. Peaceful, yes. Comfortable, no.
I believe with all my heart there is joy in the journey. I believe God gives us incredible gifts and he takes care of his children. I believe he empowers us for life. But he also calls us to sacrifice; daily and thankfully, usually in small ways.
"Rejoicing…" I challenge you to do a search for the word "rejoice" in scripture. It is a perspective changer. Rejoicing is not a reaction. It is a CHOICE based on a relationship with the God who loves us.
God, help me to rejoice… in you… no matter the circumstance.
For now…
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