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Home Sections The Daily B.R.E.A.D. May 22, 2009 - Friday Meditation (Faith : Not Being In-Synch with the World)
May 22, 2009 - Friday Meditation (Faith : Not Being In-Synch with the World) PDF Print E-mail
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Sections - The Daily B.R.E.A.D.
Written by Bobot Apit   
Monday, 18 May 2009 06:49
T his past month, Miss California publicly stood up for traditional marriage while she was in the public spotlight. In response, she was subjected to vicious personal attacks by those who disagreed with her, which were presumably designed to deter others from standing up and bearing witness.  

The Gospel reading for today reminds us that faith sometimes means not being in synch with the world.  Those who do not love and serve God may indeed be rejoicing over things that should cause weeping and shame.


Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

J ohn 16:20-23 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. (21) When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. (22) So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. (23) In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name.


* Meditation by Edward Morse
 
A lthough Paul was receiving reassurance from God in Acts 18, his experience provides some reassurance for us, too.  Fear is often a part of our lives, even though we know it is not the product of faith. Saint Paul also struggled with fear.  A word from the Lord spoke directly to his need: “Do not be afraid.  Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.”   

Although it is uncommon for Christians in America to be beaten or attacked on account of speaking or believing, recent events have reminded me of repercussions from holding fast to the truth. This past month, Miss California publicly stood up for traditional marriage while she was in the public spotlight. In response, she was subjected to vicious personal attacks by those who disagreed with her, which were presumably designed to deter others from standing up and bearing witness.  Our modern situation is thus not really so different from Paul’s.  Fear and intimidation are indeed at work, but faith is at work, too.

The Gospel reading for today reminds us that faith sometimes means not being in synch with the world.  Those who do not love and serve God may indeed be rejoicing over things that should cause weeping and shame. However, we are encouraged to persevere, with the promised fulfillment of our hope in joy. Jesus chose the analogy of the woman in labor, who soon forgets the pain of childbirth in the joy of new life.  Having been there with my wife as she gave birth to our six children, I have seen that joy does indeed come after pain. After our first child was born, I also sense that my wife gave herself more easily to the task, as she knew that joy would be there at the end. And in some small way, my presence and encouragement there with her may have helped, somehow, if just a little.

We seem to be in a time where Christians need courage to speak and not be silent.  We may not receive a voice from the Lord himself, as Paul did, but we can also be strengthened through the scriptures as well as from the power of being in community with others who believe. Words of encouragement and assurance can be powerful in driving out fear, building faith, and embracing our role in the future that God is bringing forth. May God give each of us the reassurance we need, along with the wisdom and strength to go on bearing witness to the truth.   


Supplementary Reading
God's thunderous Voice

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. – Isaiah 40:11




Iowa's summer thunderstorms are magnificent. Skies light up, rumbles crackle.

Once, Dad carried me onto the porch. Holding me tightly, he said, "Sheila, look how magnificent this is! You're catching a glimpse of God's power. Instead of fearing it, regard it as God's voice."

That might scare most children, but I was taught never to fear God. In Dad's arms I was thrilled watching majestic flashes, hearing the rumble of thunder.

God's thunderous voice gave me great comfort as a child. Of course, thunder isn't really his voice, but it does remind me that his power is there to help carry me. His strong, loving arms are there to hold me, just like my Dad's were when I was a child. God's thunderous voice assures me that I am not alone during tough times. The God of the Universe holds me and protects me.



* * *

When do you most need to be held and feel protected? Today, be more aware of the ways God holds and protects you.

* * *
    

Note:  This excerpt was taken from the "Power for Life Daily Devotional"
GOD BLESS US ALL!

PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.


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