If we are to be a holy nation (1 Peter 1:13 – 2:12), separated from all that is worldly and devoted wholly to God, then we must do as the bride is instructed to do: 'Forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him' (Psalm 45:10,11 ESV). Yet we cling to the world, and our beauty is marred by the dross of worldliness, idolatry and unfaithfulness. Those who think this is not the case are deceiving themselves (1 John 1:8). We find it so hard to forsake the world, but God does not leave us to struggle in weakness. No, the gracious and faithful master craftsman is working on us all the time, as individuals and as a Church (local and global). Nowhere is this more evident than in the midst of persecution and suffering.
And so we pray: not only for religious liberty and for justice, deliverance and peace for the persecuted Church, but also for insight into what God is doing in the life of his people so that we can 'get on board' and actively participate in, rather than proudly resist, this wonderful sanctification.
God is purging idolatry, forging unity and removing those sources of worldly strength upon which we so adulterously depend. He is increasing our love and our faith. We must never despair over the loss of political power or influence, for the hope of the Church was never to be found there (Zechariah 4:6). An abundance of earthly lights (light pollution) causes the stars in the heavens to appear dim. It usually takes a power blackout or a trip into the wilderness for the glory of the heavens to be revealed. The same is true concerning advocacy for religious liberty and the persecuted church. An abundance of earthly powers may cause us to forget or neglect the greater power and love that is in heaven. A political-power blackout or a trip to the political wilderness may be God's gracious way of drawing our attention to him and reminding us of where the true power lies. Prayer is not a lesser form of advocacy, it is the greatest. So let us pray!
This is good! My friend just sent this to me yesterday. She may have gotten it from your blog. We had an awesome church service yesterday, speaking of these same issues. Feel like i need to get my seat belt on 'cause we're going for a ride. Thank you for your heart felt posts.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you would have an opportunity to stop by my blog and read the latest post on Family Worship. I would be honored if you would leave a comment. I would like to hear other ideas from godly moms (or dads, but they don't typically read blogs). : )
Sheila, thank you for your input on family Worship. I am so excited that you are taking the job of training your children from the beginning. I wish I had started that early. Your children will be blessed because of it. I went to your Timothy blog - thank you for the site. I absolutely loved the way you explained the training of our children from Proverbs. You are blessed with a gift of explaining the Word, and I look forward to reading more posts.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Sheila,
ReplyDeleteYour blog looks so beautiful. Thank you so much for providing this link. God has had my heart so heavy for the persecuted church recently and I have been looking everywhere for opportunities to reach out. I really appreciate this link. I really enjoy your blog, your thoughts, and you love for Jesus.
God bless you my sister.