The people who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are still desperately searching. They are seeking that missing part within them their link to their creator. The world offers them money and fame, drugs and alcohol, or sex and violence to fill the void. But nothing fills the void, only Jesus. They are looking for a reason to believe in what Christianity is offering. But they are like Thomas and will insist on proof.
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." John 20: 25
Because as much as they are looking for a reason to believe, they are equally accepting of reasons not to believe. What do they see when they look at the modern day church? Do they see the love of Christ? Today is the National Day of Prayer and because the Pentagon decided to un-invite Franklin Graham we see Christians up in arms. Over what? Do you think God cares if Graham speaks at this event? Of course not. Yet Graham said that if he is not allowed to speak it would be a "slap in the face of all Christians." When Jesus spoke about being slapped, He said turn and offer the other cheek as well. He spoke about praying for our enemies. When He gave the Sermon on the Mount, He taught:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5: 11-12
Mr. Graham does not sound so joyous
and glad. Instead he sounds whiny and self-righteous. Mr. Graham should have
made a polite statement about the rescinding of the invitation, reflected back
to Jesus and brought glory to God. Remember, this is the same week that the
co-founder of Focus on the Family (Mr. Rekers) was caught on a ten day trip to
I bring the commission up again because that is what we have been charged with. Not forcing our morality upon non-believers. In the days of Jesus, the Pharisees once criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus, calling them hypocrites, asked them if they would not pull their ox out of well he had fallen into even if it were the Sabbath. Today we need to be careful to not become what we abhor. To not become the modern day Pharisees. Instead of whining about healing on the Sabbath, we whine about a man made tradition such as the National Day of Prayer. Instead of Jesus inquiring about the hypocrisy of the ox and the well, today He is wondering about the hypocrisy of Rekers.
Where is our focus beloved? A national day of prayer? How about praying every day?
Be merciful to me, O Lord; for I cry to You daily. Psalm 86:3
