Response to a Mocking World...
A week has passed since the apparently shocking opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic ceremonies in Paris, which seems to have rattled a hornets nest...
A week has passed… since the apparently shocking opening cermony of the 2024 Olympic ceremonies in Paris, France. Even though many tried to explain it as a tribute to a feast commemorating the Greek god Dionysus, their presentation quite obviously resembled the painting of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci.
I’ve read many comments from believers and non-believers, who stated their reasons to accept of even reject such an intentional hit against Christians. Because I am not usually one to respond with “knee-jerk” reactions to such controversy, I do believe as a pastor, that I have a responsibility to comment, so as not to be silent on the issue.
I know that I am to be an example to the church and also a witness to a “world of unbelievers,” so I choose not to offer up “my own opinion” on the issue, but rather offer to Christians some direct reminders from Jesus, who is an expert on the issue.
What does Jesus say to His followers?
Jesus also told us how to response to such mockery…
Be Happy and Leap for Joy when such mockery happens… that is the direct response for believers!
So, then don’t be shocked! Even Jude, the half brother of Jesus forewarned that this would happen when he stated,
In closing, don’t expect the world to act like the church. Instead, you be the church!
Carpe Diem!
A week has passed… since the apparently shocking opening cermony of the 2024 Olympic ceremonies in Paris, France. Even though many tried to explain it as a tribute to a feast commemorating the Greek god Dionysus, their presentation quite obviously resembled the painting of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci.
I’ve read many comments from believers and non-believers, who stated their reasons to accept of even reject such an intentional hit against Christians. Because I am not usually one to respond with “knee-jerk” reactions to such controversy, I do believe as a pastor, that I have a responsibility to comment, so as not to be silent on the issue.
I know that I am to be an example to the church and also a witness to a “world of unbelievers,” so I choose not to offer up “my own opinion” on the issue, but rather offer to Christians some direct reminders from Jesus, who is an expert on the issue.
What does Jesus say to His followers?
- “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. (John 15:18)
Jesus also told us how to response to such mockery…
- “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. - When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.” (Luke 6:22-23 NLT)
Be Happy and Leap for Joy when such mockery happens… that is the direct response for believers!
- What a great perspective for those who belong to Christ! Because of the blessings and rewards Jesus promised to His followers, because a great reward awaits for those who endure such hostility for the name of Jesus Christ, we do not have to respond like the world does!
So, then don’t be shocked! Even Jude, the half brother of Jesus forewarned that this would happen when he stated,
- “That there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18)
Their motives for such mockery is LUST.
However, as the church our motives such be for mission…LOVE!
In closing, don’t expect the world to act like the church. Instead, you be the church!
- “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” (Col 4:5)
Carpe Diem!
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