How
will we respond when the world is in turmoil; when Syrian refugees are flooding
European countries and seeking shelter in North America; when oil is $42 a
barrel and people are losing their jobs; when Paris and Belgium are locked
down; when travelers in the United States are warned not to fly? Do we live as
functional atheists or do we "take captive every thought to make it
obedient to Christ"[1]?
I am now speaking to those of us who claim to be followers of the first century
Rabbi, and Son of God, Jesus. If we truly believe in him, and follow what he
taught, then we will recognize that "in him all things hold
together."[2] We
will not get caught up in the fear of the day. We will not be tossed about by
every human argument about the way to solve these crises. We will have our
pattern in Jesus. He will be our example and our teacher for dealing with daily
life. Jesus tells us to "seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he
will give you everything you need."[3]
Those of us who live as Christians in the world need to take seriously these
words of the "author of our faith."[4]
God still "reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne."[5]
"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."[6]
[1] For
though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons
we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have
divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every
pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive
every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV)
[2] The Son is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were
created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones
or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him
and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
(Col. 1:15-17 NIV)
[3] “Look
at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet
Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God
cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire
tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to
drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of
unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek
the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your
Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This
will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get
old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no
moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart
will also be. (Luke 12:27-34 NLT)
[4]
Hebrews 12:2 (NASB)
[5] For
God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm. God reigns above
the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered
together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth
belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere. (Psalm 47:7-9 NLT)
[6] Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so
easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before
us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and
perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the
cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside
God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1,2 NIV)
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