It would be an understatement to say that Christendom, the Church, is under siege. Persecution and scandal are sifting the Body of Christ, reminding us of Christ and Cephas’ words, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason,” (John 15:15:18-25), and “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” (1 Peter 4:17). In the middle of all this turmoil we must hold fast to our faith in Christ. This is the hour of trial, when the forces of this present darkness aim their weapons of discouragment, defeat, and despair upon disciples of Christ. It is in moments like this we must encourage one another and put our trust (faith) in Jesus.
We cannot look to the church’s popularity or lack thereof, nor the doctrines of men (Mark 7:7, Colossians 2:23) to get us through this season of shadow. Instead we must look to Christ, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God..” (Hebrews 12:2). Only our Lord and our relationship with Him shall carry us through the onslaught that has been unleashed against the Saints.
These times require courage, and more than that rest, yes rest in Christ, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Our fide (faith) in Jesus must be built up with songs (worship, hymns, new songs), prayers, and readings of Scripture. Do not let the news or shock of scandals stain your heart and minds, but remember “judgement begins with the house of God,” (1 Peter 4:17) and when despair seeks to ransom you, turn your heart to Christ and let Him swallow up your fears, worries, anxieties (1 Peter 5:7), and doubts. Faith should not hinge on institutions and pious teachers, “By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged,” (Romans 3:4). If the church disappoints, Christ will never disappoint, “For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM (Jesus) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." (Romans 10:11); if Christians sin and cause scandal, Christ is sinless (Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5, 1 Peter 2:22) and never will scandalize anyone. We must be prepared to hold fast to our Lord when the shaking comes, “The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken--that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken may remain.Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” (Hebrews 12:27-28).
Our aim must be to endure to the end (Matthew 24:13) in these end times; to overcome the devil and keep faith in Jesus, “And they have conquered him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death,” (Revelation 12:11) and “This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12). Our faith must not be placed in holy places or pious people, but in Christ Alone (Solus Christus)! If a chasm swallows the Holy Sepulcher and scandal consumes leaders, our fidel (faith) should remain untouched, because it is in Christ Jesus, God Incarnate and Son of God who is One with the Everlasting Father and Holy Spirit! Our Lord will reward our faith, “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4); if we finish the race and keep the faith, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).
No matter what happens, keep your faith (trust) in Jesus and know Him (John 17:3). Adopt the mature attitude, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith..Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.” (Philippians 3:8-9, 15). Then if the shaking of scandals comes, you will remain sound by placing your hope in Jesus Alone! Amen.
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