"Enemy Territory" June 14 Readings: 1 Chronicles 14-15, John 15:18–16:15, Psalm 73:11–17, Proverbs 15:5–7

Today's Readings - 1 Chronicles 14-15, John 15:18–16:15, Psalm 73:11–17, Proverbs 15:5–7

Devotional 

Notice two verses from our readings today, one in John 15, and one in Psalm 73. It is easy to forget that we, as Christians, live in hostile territory. This world is not our home. American Christians have too long been lulled to sleep by a society that was at least nominally supportive of our values and beliefs. We are just now waking up to the reality that we live in enemy territory and are loyal to a kingdom distinct from any in this world.

John 15:18-25 makes it clear that it is the norm for God's people to be hated in the world. Jesus tells his disciples that he was hated and that they would receive the same treatment if they served him. If we walk in Christ and in his ways, we will face hostility, ridicule, and disdain from this world. That is just part of living for Jesus in a world that is living in rebellion against him.

We get bothered at the first sign of any suffering in the name of Christ. Perhaps it ought to cause us more consternation when we do not suffer. Perhaps that is a sign that we have become too much a part of this world, shaped by its values and walking in its ways. We fit in so well the world hardly sees the distinctions that would make it reject and hate us.

In Psalm 73:11-12, the Psalmist asks a question. Why do the wicked act as if there is no God? They live their lives as if the God of Heaven does not see what they are doing and does not know their actions. They live their lives to please themselves and forget that there is a God to whom each of us must answer.

That is the other side of the John passage. We live in hostile territory and can expect to face suffering and disdain in the world. But the world must be reminded that there is a God in heaven to whom they must answer. So, while our sufferings in this world might be increasingly strong, they do not compare at all to the sufferings in eternity of those who forget God and live their lives as if he did not exist.

Father, I thank you that you have brought me into your kingdom. May I live for you regardless of what anyone in this sin saturated world thinks about it or says about me. 

Think and Pray

Do you seek the approval of the people of this world or the pleasure of God over your life?
Remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God and loving God often means rejecting the ways and values of the world.
There is an undeniable and inescapable conflict between the ways of this world and the ways of God.