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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Sunday, February 15, 2004 |
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Frontline Devotion for Sunday, February 15, 2004, by Pastor Justin Lathrop
Bible text: Acts 22:17-23:10
In 2000-2001 I had the opportunity to teach in a Lutheran High School in Bratislava, Slovakia. I was excited for the prospect of reaching out to teens, but not very pleased with my class subject. My class focused on early church history: my most hated subject in seminary. Luckily, as I taught, I learned to appreciate the opportunity of faith growth through study of our heritage.
In the first months of the year, my class studied Acts as our first historical look at the start of the Christian Church. I remember vividly standing before my class, leading a discussion on the early Christian martyrs. I asked my class who would stand up for their faith. I wanted to know who possessed the boldness to proclaim their belief, even if it meant persecution. In the four classes I taught, not one student said they’d be willing to take a stand. I was shocked. Over and over I cited examples of Stephen and Paul, and all of our church fathers and mothers who grew our church through their sacrifice. Still there was no change. After days of trying to make them understand that we must stand up for ourselves and our God, one of my students took pity on me. She approached me after class to explain why I would never convert my students to my way of thinking. She reminded me that not too long ago her family and friends were persecuted for their beliefs. Their religion was illegal. Their necks were on the line. She reminded me in a loving tone that as an American, I couldn’t possibly have any idea of what that is like. I realized that she was correct.
Too often we make excuses for being silent in our faith. Too often we claim that we are silent only because we fear ridicule or some sort of social persecution. I admit, there have been times I’ve made that excuse for myself. The fact is: we are free. We live in a country where we are free to speak our beliefs. Most of all we are free in spirit through Jesus Christ.
Paul showed his courage in speaking out to the people. He showed his bravado in questioning the centurion. He showed his audacity in standing before the council. Join me in praying for just a bit of Paul’s courage this day. May we have the courage to go out into the world with just a portion of Paul’s vigor, proclaiming Jesus in all that we say and do.
Prayer:
Gracious God of all beauty and might, lend us your sprit of courage this day.
Help us to go out into the world proclaiming your name, fearing nothing. Remind
us that our safety and courage lies in you, and in that we’ve been made free;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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