Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV) & Daniel 3:13-18 (NIV)
Dear Church,
The hope we have in Jesus is a hope that resists.
Our hope is not resigned to evil in the world.
Our hope does not compromise or collude.
Our hope does not hide, even when it makes enemies.
Our hope fights.
Our hope will lead us into battle.
Many people mistakenly believe that following Christ requires us to be bystanders, passively waiting for Jesus to do something about injustice, suffering and the ways the powerful crush the poor and powerless.
If your Christian hope leads you to wait quietly until Jesus rescues you from evil, you’re doing it wrong.
But do not be deceived. We fight, but not as the world fights. No violence. No destruction. No dehumanization. We may be called to lay down our lives, but we are never called by God to take a life. We have weapons, but not the ones chosen by our enemies.
Our hope equips and compels us to confront sin and evil in the way of Christ.
This Sunday, we turn to Paul’s words in Ephesians and the witness of our brothers Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego for inspiration about when and how to resist.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
Want to chat about what you have heard? Click here:
https://www.thegrovecharlotte.org/connect-with-us
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS