In Good Company

I can remember stomping my way into the kitchen where my mom was making dinner and declaring, "Everybody hates me!" Sound familiar? Did you voice the same idea when you were a child? It seemed very real at the time. Of course, mom would simply tell me that it was all in my imagination. And maybe it was back then. Children often feel left out and maybe even hated when their friends seem to gang up on them.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (verse 18)

But, fast forward to adulthood. How does a statement like this go over now days? Have we just moved up from 'my teacher has it in for me', to, 'my boss is so demanding’? As children and then as grownups, we often feel picked on or pointed out. Jesus tells us to expect that sort of treatment.

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. (verse 19)

We have been duly warned. The same world Jesus came to redeem, turned its back on Him. They killed him. We are His, we follow Him. Do we really think we will get out of it unscathed? One day they (the people) were singing His praises, they were waving palm branches and giving a hero's welcome. Less than a week later, they crucified Him.

We, His followers, can expect unfair treatment as well. It isn't easy to proclaim our faith in Jesus, but it is worth it. The original disciples experienced persecution, and hatred. It is likely some of their family members deserted them.

My own father called me a holy roller when he learned that I loved Jesus. We should expect this treatment undeserved though it may be. Jesus and His disciples experienced it, and numerous saints were martyred because of this love. We could be too. But always remember, we are in good company.

John 15:18-21

Myths Don't Make Martyrs

Several years ago a coworker asked me to contribute to a walk-a-thon. I pledged perhaps a dollar for each mile walked. She said, “Thanks, it is for a good cause.” I probably was not passionate about the cause, but I wanted to maintain a good relationship I with my coworker.

When she later came to collect my pledge, she commented, that being out of shape, it was more difficult than she anticipated. Together, we chuckled at her “suffering – for a good cause.”

 

Two thousand years ago many Christians suffered for their cause. Many early church martyrs died for their belief in Christ. Perhaps this was God’s way of proclaiming Christ to many of the pagans. Back then, a person might dare to die for the cause of city or nation, but certainly not for another person. Dying for Jesus (a person) was contrary to the thinking of the time.

The Christian religion had to be based on fact. Myths Don’t Make Martyrs.

Flavian Amphitheater in Rome

Today’s reading, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, tells of Paul’s sufferings for Christ. With a touch of irony, Paul tells some of the haughty Corinthians of his suffering, using worldly logic they would understand. Jesus is real, and Paul was suffering so that others would believe in Jesus.

By virtue of the fact you are reading this is proof that Jesus has not yet called either of us to be a martyr. But, he does call us to carry out his work, even if it means suffering.

 

Suffering is a strong word.

 

Perhaps a better word is sacrifice. Maybe I sacrifice some of my time for the Lord to take a mission trip. Maybe I sacrifice some of my treasure for God’s work. And perhaps, maybe, just maybe, it is not a real sacrifice at all. Perhaps these are things I will come to joyfully volunteer to do!

 

I do these things to further God’s Kingdom. I also do them so that others will see what I am willing to “sacrifice” for my “cause”. My “sacrifices” might actually lead someone to my “cause.”

 

After all, myths don’t make martyrs.