Friday 16 December 2016

December 16

Passage: Hebrews 10:32-39

Scripture:
“Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” (Hebrews 10:33-34)

How can the Word of God connect Joy with “the confiscation of our property”? Shouldn’t this give occasion for a Psalm of Lament or even a prophetic announcement of judgment and divine retribution? Jesus also calls us to “rejoice and be glad…when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Mt 5:11-12) Doesn’t that seem like the opposite of “Joy to the world” which the angels announce to the shepherds? Not if we realize that shepherds were often “publicly exposed to insult.”

Just because we may not be the ones who are persecuted because of our faith in Jesus doesn’t mean that Hebrews 10:33 isn’t addressed to us. It seems that the Christians this book is written to are either being persecuted or standing “side by side with those who were so treated.” Are there people we can think of that are being bullied and need someone to stand by them? Are there individuals or groups who are being treated unjustly that are not articulate enough to defend themselves and could use someone like us to stand by them? Have we made an effort to check into our local prison ministries and ask how we can support them?

Now where does the discipline of celebration come into the picture? Supposing we do go out and risk our necks to stand by someone who is being insulted or mistreated in some way. That’s not anything to celebrate, is it? But have we really thought through the entire issue which is at stake here? Jesus’ mandate for the Kingdom of God clearly includes “good news for the poor…freedom for the prisoners…release [for] the oppressed.” (Lk 4:18) Each time this happens, there is reason to celebrate! Levi celebrates by throwing “a great banquet” (Lk 5:29), the people celebrate Jesus’ raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Lk 7:16), a shepherd celebrates after finding a lost sheep (Lk 15:5-6), and “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents!” (Lk 15:10) If we truly believe that all things are possible for God, then we will know that He can use us to help bring about positive change for those He calls us to “stand side by side with.” Then we will also credit Him with the victory He brings about and give glory to God through appropriate celebration!

Sometimes there are also things to celebrate which we only become aware of in getting to know what some of the ‘down and outers’ in our life have been through. Alcoholics Anonymous know how to celebrate continued freedom from addiction. Can we find ways to celebrate with them? Do we respond with celebration when we hear how others have gone through challenges and overcome in some way? Could this be another expression of standing “side by side” with those who need it? Could this be another way of celebrating how God is at work in unexpected places? Perhaps the Lord is calling us to celebrate things the world would not consider worthy of celebrating?




Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, Father of orphans, widows, aliens and the destitute, we recognize that we too often measure success by worldly standards and neglect to even see things You consider worthy of being celebrated. Open our eyes to see those You call us to stand side by side. Open our ears to hear of the victories You have brought about in lives that others would rather not hear about. Open our hearts to celebrate with those who need most and give us Your Joy when it might mean sacrifice for us! We pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ, Who gave the ultimate sacrifice of His life for us on the cross. Amen.

Further lectionary texts for today:
2 Samuel 7:18-22 David prays for God's faithfulness toward Israel
Galatians 4:1-7 God's Son, sent in the fullness of time
2 Samuel 6:12-19 The ark of God enters Jerusalem
Hebrews 1:5-14 The advent of the One higher than angels
Isaiah 42:10-8 Sing to God a new song
Hebrews 10:32-39 Confidence that rewards

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