These words that Jesus spoke to His Father have become more my own over recent months. I know more about what the Son of God was thinking and praying for His enemies---those who had done Him wrong towards the end of His 33-year life on this earth. (See Luke 6:27-28)
It saddens me now to think about it. To not only think about the way people have mistreated me, abused me, hurt me, rejected me, and disappointed me but to also remember the way people mocked Jesus, persecuted Him, tortured Him, and crucified Him over 2000 years ago. I definitely can identify more with Him, His pain, His sorrow, and His sufferings in this world. (See Isaiah 53; John 15:18-25, 19)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NIV - emphasis added mine)
I am not always comfortable with the physical locations He allows me to enter into in this world. And, I don't always like receiving the harsh treatment, persecution, or whatever else. I am doing what my Father would have me to do in this world though. I am shining His light ever more sooo brightly. I am speaking the truth in love. I am preaching in and out of season. And, whatever else He desires of me. (See Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:2)
Consequently, I can expect opposition. [I will use an analogy in my own words that a pastor of mine used during one of his sermons a couple of years ago.] When a fish is going downstream with the current and the other fish, there isn't anything really getting in its' way. Sure, there may be some debris floating by in the water. There may be some leaves and branches from the trees that have fallen into the river. There may even be some dead fish floating in the water as you pass them by downstream. However, there truly isn't any real opposition because they are going the same way as everything else. When you repent and turn away from the world's systems---their mindsets, their ways, their processes, their behaviors---you will be totally going the opposite way. You will be going against the current of the river or the world in this case. You will experience a lot more resistance. A lot more opposition. You will be going upstream now. You will be going God's way. Doing His work and His will. There will be debris passing you by going the opposite way. There may be some leaves and branches from the trees overlooking the river. You may also see some of the dead fish floating downstream as you are going upstream. However, there will be a lot more fish coming up against you as well. They may try to bite you. They may attempt to drown you. There may even be other obstacles in your way. You keep moving forward though. You keep persevering against the current of the river. Knowing that on the other side---the end of that part of the journey---there will be a beautiful place for you.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV - emphasis added mine)
Before Jesus left this world, He specifically told us we would have problems and trouble in this world. However, He also left all of us with this reminder.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment