Men and Women of Whom the World Is Not Worthy
Posted in Once I Was a Kansas Girl and tagged with Abortion, Animals, Bible, Christianity, God, Gospel, Homosexuality, Me, Persecution, Prayer, Suffering on September 17, 2008Sunday’s sermon was out of the end of Hebrews 11. Certainly not a fluffy message, but neither is the gospel.
“Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” – Hebrews 11:35-40, NASU
Though this was written over 1900 years ago, these things are still happening to Christians throughout the world today. Can I be frank enough to admit my first thought was to condemn liberals as hypocrites? They fight for the “rights” to homosexual marriage, abortion, and equal treatment of animals, yet they aren’t fighting for the rights of these people to live and practice their faith without persecution.
Then God gently reminded me that I’m a hypocrite too. What do I do on behalf of these people?
Honestly, the persecuted church isn’t something I think about very much. Who wants to be reminded of the horrors done to others when they can live their comfortable life in ignorance?
There’s not a lot that I can do to these people that suffer. Oh, but the most important thing: pray. I need to pray for those that are put through torture, imprisonment, and more. I can pray that God will provide them with the strength and perseverence that they most desperately need to live, and may their lives be a witness to the truthfulness of their message.
Most of all, Lord, come quickly.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Sitting here in the US with the freedom to worship grass if I wanted to, it is easy to forget that there are Christians out there that are being imprisoned and persecuted just for having a Bible.
Good reminder!
September 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Thank you for visiting Idaho today. I’ve never been to Kansas or North Carolina. Maybe someday…
September 18th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Over the past several years, this is something I’ve had to grow in as well, and now I am very eager to learn about Christians who are persecuted for believing in Jesus. Their stories are a huge challenge to me, and they increase my passion for Christ and to see people come to know Him.
A really good resource for learning about the persecuted church and keeping up-to-date on what’s going on is Voice of the Martyrs (http://www.persecution.com/). They also have a free monthly newsletter with stories, prayer points, and ways to get involved in encouraging and/or helping our family around the world.
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
You have a great point.
We have a tendency to start crying about being persecuted and picked on because the cashier says “Happy holidays,” which really doesn’t compare to what other Christians are experiencing.
My church supports a couple missionaries whose names can’t be revealed because if their full names or pictures appeared online, their lives would be in danger.
Yet, I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about them.
I also wanted to let you know that I’ve got your submission for the Christian Carnival. Thanks!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Good grief! but you have been on a roll! Amazing post. Seriously. Your professors need a raise because they are doing an AWESOME job with you!
You are setting the world on fire one blog post at a time, do you realize that?
Jen