THORNS ARE A GIFT
Psalm
90:14-15
Satisfy
us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be
glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for
as many years as we have seen trouble.
The trials and sufferings in
life seem sometimes far, far away. Wars, revolutions, severe droughts that
create deadly famines, earthquakes and other natural or human disasters are prevalent
world-wide. With the world shrinking because of the speeds of travel and
communications, troubles “over-there” are coming closer to home. The effects of
such disasters are having greater impacts here in America than ever before.
With the growing number of immigrant families, more of the news from overseas
is creating crisis in the lives of more Americans. Today we are seeing and
hearing of greater incidents of Christians being targeted with violence,
negative journalism and hateful speech. These forms of persecution and
suffering are causing many Christians to question their faith and witness. Is
being a Christian worth this trouble?
Jesus and the early church
suffered tremendously from persecution. The secular leaders were elevated to
the level of deity and their images of stone were glorified. The people were to
worship them, obey their edicts and contribute to their ongoing reigns. Christians
of that day refused to compromise their beliefs and their works of mercy. In
return, the culture of their day had them executed or excommunicated from
society.
American Christians have
been spared much of this type of persecution. The threats we experience come in
more behind the scene and subtle ways. Decades of removing Christian teachings
from our civic places and practices has brought no direct persecution. Yet, it
has eroded the moral and ethical foundations of society. We shy away from
Christian beliefs or practices that would draw unwanted attention or that are
found offensive to others. If attach verbally or physically will we change our
thinking or discontinue our actions. If we don’t fit into the public dialogue
will we compromise the truth in order to have a place at the table?
May God grant us a fresh
understanding for a Theology of Suffering that will enable us to stand with
Christ in this lost and dying world.
