This morning as I sat down to pray I was reminded that in the Catholic Church they remember St. Stephen today, the first martyr. It always seemed a bit strange that the memorial celebration of the first martyr followed so closely after the celebration of Christ's birth. In doing a little research I found that he is celebrated this day because his remains were miraculously found on Dec. 26th. Regardless, of why, it is interesting that the Church celebrates martyrs.
We generally don't like thinking about persecution and martyrdom, here in the American church, but history is full of men and women who have given their lives rather than renounce their faith. For many in the American church, our faith is something enjoyable, something we grew up with and something we associate with being good people. However, in my opinion, if pushed, many would walk away from their faith. We see many leaving their lives of faith for many different reasons, persecution not often one of them.
This morning I felt led to read from 1 Peter 4, and didn't immediately put the two (initial thought about St. Stephen) and the encouragement to read from this chapter together. Here are the verses that resonated with me today - 1 Peter 4:12-17 NIV:
[12] "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
Verse 12 is one that we certainly don't hear many sermons about here in the American Church! However, Peter's simple statement does need to be embraced in our faith. We should not be surprised when go through difficulties related to our faith, as though it were something strange. If we are truly living our faith, embracing the teaching and life of Jesus, we will be different than the world, and that is a good thing! Our life as new creations, as spirit filled and led people is meant to standout as a light in this dark world. The spiritual forces that are against God will try to stop the advancement of God's kingdom any way they can, up to and including death. We see this reality lived out in the early church, and we see it lived out in the lives of many of our brothers and sisters around the world today.
The original Greek that is translated fiery ordeal could be translated as purifying testing, and that certainly seems to be true. The threat of persecution, and the actual living through persecution seems to bring about a refinement and strengthening of faith. While I know nothing of this other than what I have read, it seems true to me. Our faith at its core is about our relationship with God. My experience with relational testing and difficulty, is that when you must fight for your relationship, your love, affection and commitment to that relationship grows stronger. If I was forced to renounce my relationship with my honey, I would resist unto death for we are one.
In a period of testing, many of the comforts and trappings do fall away, as one clings to the most important things to ensure survival. In my mind this is what a purifying testing will bring about in our faith lives. Those things which do not really matter, those comforts we enjoy will fall away, for they are not necessary. I think we will find that much of our church expression the America is made up of comforts, programs, liturgies, and trappings that are not essential to the survival of our faith. I think we will be a bit surprised when religion is stripped away, and we are left with the key components of our faith, and life as Kingdom residents.
Recently in KC one of our well respected leaders has fallen due to news of past sinful behavior, and it is certainly a time of shaking and testing for many. The danger to the church, in times such as these, is that we focus on the wrong things. The life of any one individual does not represent Jesus, and the life enjoyed under any one person's leadership is not the same as life connected to the Body of Christ. We must learn to disassociate failed leaders and leadership from the move of the God present in such places. Peter clearly warns that times of judgment will begin in God's household, and we must expect further purification as Holy Spirit purifies the Church.
While such purification is not pleasant, and does cause us to review our lives, our beliefs and our practices, it is essential. The result of the first persecution was the spread of the Gospel to the Samaria and Ethiopia and much of Asia minor. The church, while scattered, spread and multiplied, and was purified, and much of who we (The Body of Christ worldwide) are today can be traced back to those events.
My prayer is certainly not to have such purifying trials released in our midst, but the fact that they will be is most certain. We must make sure that our Gospel is true, is unencumbered by comforting extras or poor theology. We must focus on those things that will endure, relationships, prayer, thanksgiving and teaching! Where we meet and how we meet with certainly change, but our trust is in our God to lead us and guide us!
May the Lord bless You, reveal to you those things that are most important in your relationship with Him, that You might rightly invest your time, focus and energy in the the most valuable. Let us not turn away from the Lord due to the failings of human leaders or leadership, but let us understand that such shaking and purifying is essential in bringing about a pure and spotless bride (Eph 5:26-27).
Let us embrace relationship with our Lord and Savior!
Amen and Amen!
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