What Are You Willing to Do?

We live in a time where most Americans have experienced some semblance of peace. There have not been any new wars within the country, although there have been heated disagreements. We expect to be able to go to work, earn a living, come home to a place we relax at and call home. We have so many expectations of what life should be like, how the government should be run, and who will be part of our life. We look for some sort of prosperity, maybe material possessions, and a freedom to worship. Then I read the second lesson for this Sunday and see Paul talking about being in chains for the gospel. We read in 2 Timothy 1, “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” We have not experienced this sort of trial for having faith, although other parts of the world have. Does your faith have a breaking point? Are you willing to face ridicule? Slander? Abuse? Prison? Torture? Paul not only asks them not to be ashamed of him, but not to be ashamed to proclaim the good news of what Jesus Christ has done for all who would believe. On top of that, he calls fellow believers to suffer with him for the sake of proclaiming God’s word. Paul isn’t saying that he desire them to suffer, but rather that because suffering seems inevitable for all who are faithful, to boldly stand up for the truth. Martin Luther did this when the church of his day called him to recant everything he had written. Luther refused. The leader of the church removed their protection from Martin Luther... basically putting a bounty on his head. Did Luther back down? NO! He was not afraid to die for what he believed. The Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, Charlie Kirk, and many other believers make it clear why they are willing to die in service to God, the Creator of heaven and earth. “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” If God protects us, we have another day of service... if not, eternity with God awaits us. Father, give us faith and a boldness to stand on Your word, even when the world comes against. You are our only hope! Amen