I've been thinking about the original Moravian movement frequently over the past few weeks. Even when facing potential ship wreck and martyrdom, they were full of joy, earning the reputation of being a HAPPY PEOPLE. Everyone who came into contact with them noticed the light of God that was in their lives.
"Be joyful always;" Paul said. [1 thess. 5] Paul, the one who was nearly beaten to death several times while preaching the gospel, shipwrecked, left to die...publicly beaten and put in jail, where he SANG joyfully to the Lord, even without any promise of rescue. [acts 16] For him to say, "in everything give thanks" is a heavy statement considering his personal history.
As I think about the letters he wrote to the church, acknowledging the spiritual warfare of this life and the moments of sorrow that bring us to tears, he still always exhorted them to live in joy. Considering what the early church faced, this was no small feat--I would even wager that it was impossible on their own. Revelation must have filled their hearts that THE VERY BLOOD OF CHRIST was pulsing through their bodies and that the SPIRIT OF GOD--the very life of God! was inside of them, enabling them to walk as sons of God, full of power, love, a sound mind.
Reading about the "heroes" who have paved the way for my generation and the present day church, I find myself coming to the conclusion that a theology that does not result in joy, but instead encourages and even prides itself in doom and gloom and piety, is not correct. To live with an inaccurate conclusion of the heart and intent of God is a sad way to exist. Sacrifice produces JOY if it is done out of love. When we are in love with God, nothing is too difficult.
I am not sure what is ahead in the history of our nation, but I have a sense that the church needs to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into the truth of who God is in an urgent way. That we would be known as happy people when those around us are in fear as the kingdoms of this world start to shake! That the light of God in us would draw the seekers to the Giver of Life! That very moment of shaking could be the church's FINEST HOUR if we only just take God at His word...that if He is FOR US...it doesn't matter who is against us. Ah, what joy! What strength in joy! To stand fast, with joy unspeakable--that is the narrow way.
2 comments:
I am reminded of the movie Braveheart. Though William Wallace's sacrifice was painful for his friends and brothers-in-arms to watch, it still resulted in peace and joy. I say this because no matter how difficult the sacrifice is (CHRIST) there is joy always on the other end. I hope you understand what I mean.
Hi, can you share some of the books you've read. I'm particularly interested in Mother Theresa, and those that gave their lives for justice. I think you wrote about them in a more recent blog post.
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