Our Challenging Purpose As Christians

"Today's Devotion" For March 4, 2005

Read: Matthew 10:16-23
Acts 25:23-26:32

OUR CHALLENGING PURPOSE AS CHRISTIANS

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Mt. 10:16)

If ever there was a description of the challenges facing those who follow Jesus, these words of our Lord in Matthew are it. I'm reminded of the recent legal challenges Christians have faced in Philadelphia for clearly declaring "same sex" relations to be contrary to God's Word. I just read a national columnist in yesterday's paper gleefully rejoicing that the aftermath of the Supreme Court setting aside a Texas sodomy law has provided more freedom for people commit adultery, fornication, and other such acts by taking government out of "our bedrooms." Currently the Supreme Court is weighing in on the issue of whether the Ten Commandments can be displayed in public places, like a courthouse building, where "tablets" have been carved into the structure. In the midst of all this, God calls His redeemed children in Jesus Christ to be living witnesses to His Word, both the Law and the Gospel. In case you may have had the idea that Christian living meant being prosperous, successful, well-known, powerful, and easy, then Jesus' words ought to dispel that "myth."

We live in a world that isn't kind. As the old saying goes, "It's a dog-eat-dog existence out there." The Darwinian thought process of the "survival of the fittest" is the predominant model for business, politics, education, commerce, and almost anything else you can think of that relates to people dealing with people. Sadly, not unlike the disciples in Jesus' day, we, too, are subject to conforming to the world and being like everyone else. Our sinful nature is more concerned about how we're treated by others than how we might live out a relationship with God. It's not unusual for any of us, when faced with mounting disdain and hatred for "Christian" principles, to leave our faith at home and at church, and put on our secular faces and live our secular lives according to secular rules.

Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a challenging purpose for living. We are called to declare the wonders of God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ to a skeptical and mostly hostile world. Living for Jesus, we need to expect that we will experience exactly what Jesus' told the twelve apostles they would experience. Living lives for Christ means living with the same courage and meekness with which Jesus lived. It means that we are often the "sheep" among the "wolves." There is probably no greater hindrance in human relationships than is brought about by being a disciple of Jesus Christ in the midst of people who want nothing to do with Him. Just as was true of the Apostles, so also is it true for us. As Jesus experienced persecution, betrayal, and hatred, so should we expect the same as His disciples. And, as we look at our world today, being a Christian, a true disciple of Jesus Christ, a "fisher of men", we note that God's truth is not terribly well received by others. In the midst of all this, Jesus counsels us to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" as we reach out to other with His love.

Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us a challenging purpose for living. He calls us to face persecution, betrayal, and hatred, confident that nothing can stop us from sharing His redeeming love with others. By the power of His Word and Spirit, He gives us the strength, the wisdom, the shrewdness, and the courage to face any and all obstacles the world might throw at us. By faith we step forth into the challenges the world puts at our feet with the confidence of forgiven and redeemed children of our heavenly Father. With St. Paul, in the same way and with the same conviction as he shared Jesus with Felix, we are challenged to give a courageous and winsome witness at all times. Whatever challenges are thrown our way, we accept them as opportunities to live for Christ, confident that the Spirit will give us everything we need to be true and faithful witnesses for Jesus. Remember above all things that Jesus' promise is that He will never leave us or forsake us, and will take us to Himself on the Last Day.

Prayer: Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit in Holy Baptism You have called me to be Your redeemed and restored child. You have given me the gift of faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior from Sin, and You daily offer Your forgiveness and love in Christ to me. By Your grace I have come to know Your challenging purpose for my life--to live each moment for You as a witness and testimony to Your love for the world in Jesus. You have sent me out into a world full of "ravening wolves," who would rather devour me than hear my witness to Your grace, mercy, and love for all of humanity. Help me, by the power of Your Spirit and the guidance of Your Word, to truly be as "wise as a serpent" and as "gentle as a dove" in my dealings with others so that Your Word may be clearly heard. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.