“I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.” – 2 Corinthians 11:26-28 NLT
The Apostle Paul knew firsthand the cost of following Jesus. Danger was built into the Kingdom assignment he’d been given. Like it or not, there is a grittiness that accompanies authentic faith. To follow Jesus is to follow Him into the mess and brokenness of this world and to not be surprised when opposition comes our way.
Erwin McManus asks, “How could we have developed such a safe theology with such a dangerous faith?”
The Bible doesn’t encourage us to rush headlong into persecution but we also should realize that either overt or covert persecution is inevitable. As the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12 NLT. The problem, of course, is that many (if not most) Christians avoid the very situations and opportunities where they must take a stand. We like the idea of a dangerous faith, but are far too comfortable to live in the bounds of our safe theologies. “Lord, help us to follow you no matter the cost!”
Standing Firm With You,
Dale