Monday after Jubilate (Make a joyful noise!), 4/26/99

St. John 16:20
Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world
will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned
into joy.
        NKJV

In the name of the One Who went to the Father, amen.

I received and e-mail today which read in part, "I would ask that you and
your congregation especially pray for Rev. Zuyev and his family whose
children are suffering ridicule and persecution from their teachers at
school.  Rev. Zuyev is spit upon on the streets of Zaporizhia.  It is
hard for us in America to think that this would still happen."

Yes, it is hard for us to think that this would still happen, and yet we
are not so far from it in our own country.  There have been attempts to
pass hate laws that would make many things that Christians say "hate
crimes."  We may not be physically spit on, but we are spit on in the
minds of many people who believe we are judgmental, unfeeling, and cold
hearted.

We do appear that way to people whose minds have not been enlightened by
the Holy Gospel.  They cannot see that it is not loving to see someone in
danger, and not warn them.  We look around ourselves and see many people
heading down a road that will lead to eternal damnation.  Our world says
that we should be accepting of whatever it is that they are doing.  For
the world, that is love.  But love rebukes out of concern.  If your child
likes to drink radiator coolant because it is sweet, you could be
accepting and let him drink it.  But that would not be showing love. 
Love says, "Don't do that.  It is harmful; you can die from it!"

So it is for the Christian who sees someone doing things that poison the
person's soul.  It may be accepting to let him do it, or to even
encourage it by saying, "If it is right for you, then it is OK by me." 
But that would not show love.  Love cries out and says, "Don't do it; it
is harmful.  It will poison your soul!"  Such words are the first step in
bringing people to faith.  When a person sees his sin, he can repent of
it.  When he repents of it he is then ready for the glorious life-giving
Gospel.

Still, as long as people do not understand, we will suffer for our faith
as our Christian brothers and sisters are suffering in Zaporizhia.  This
is bearing the cross.  This is having sorrow today, knowing that tomorrow
we will have joy.  When you suffer for doing good, may the words of our
Savior ring in your ears, "Your sorrow will be turned into joy." 
Amen.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give us your Holy Spirit so that we have the courage to speak
when we should.  Guide us so that we always speak in love to those who
are on the wrong path.  Be with us always and encourage us when we suffer
for doing good.  Help us to remember the joy that waits for us, amen.