THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING – Uncomfortable Joy
Acts 8:1-8(pg. 764) July 19, 2015
Introduction:
Are lost people your enemy? If someone disagrees with you do you go on the attack? When you walk through the airport and you see the guy in Middle Eastern garb do you instantly form an unfavorable opinion of his character?
One of the most difficult issues every one of us deal with is our prejudices and preconceptions. It’s impossible for us not to be shaped in some way or another by our backgrounds and experiences.
If you were a black man growing up in Birmingham Alabama in 1968 your experiences and interactions with people would be radically different than a white kid born in Lexington Kentucky in 1960 with affluent parents with county roots. All of us have roots...Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Native American...different cultural experiences...different advantages and disadvantages...different moms and dads or lack thereof.
We don’t have much knowledge of the Apostle Paul’s background...other than this. Hebrew Heritage...Something that shaped him with a fervent pursuit of the Mosaic law...from the tribe of Benjamin...He became a Pharisee, a pursuer and leader in the implementation and practice of this law. Zealous about it...passionate...we know he had advantages...He studied under the great teacher Gameliel. He became a Hebrew of Hebrews.
He had roots...they shaped him and they caused him to pursue and attack those who disagreed with him religiously. It became a life or death issue.
As Stephen, one of the churches earliest servants is being stoned to death...He prayed “Lord Jesus rescue my spirit...Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord do not hold this sin against them.” (sounds familiar doesn’t it?) When he had said this he fell asleep.”
But it’s the next verse that jumps out: “And Saul approved of their killing him.”
“Inwardly Saul thought, “Good! I’m glad this is happening...It’s what’s best.”
He though Jesus and anyone associated with “this way” needed to die...or at least go to prison. He firmly believed that this was a truth that needed his leadership...It became the catalyst for a “great persecution” that broke out against the church in Jerusalem...This persecution scattered every believer...except the 12 apostles... throughout Judea and Samaria.
I. PERSECUTION ALWAYS REVEALS PRIORITIES
Why would God let this happen to the church in its infancy? Why as Godly men bury Stephen with deep, deep grief does God allow Saul to begin to destroy the church...going from house to house, like S.S. soldiers, dragging men and women to prison?
Well, I’m not God...but Jesus is! And He’d told them...and He’d told us “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it’s own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, that is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
He tells them: “Remember what I told you “A servant isn’t greater than his master...If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” (v. 21)
Saul knows all about God...He’s studied His word under great instructors...He’s zealous...passionate...But doesn’t know God at all.
But you can tell those who do by their priorities in the midst of persecution.
“Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.” (v. 4)
Wait a minute!!! Stephen is praying for the forgiveness of those who are killing him, and other believers who have been forced to run for their lives are preaching the Word...as refugees in foreign places. What kind of religion is this?
Folks, this is more than religion...religion will give you Saul’s heart...this is transformation. This is a relationship with a resurrected Messiah who has filled his followers with His Spirit.
It’s easy...it’s natural to hate those who hate you. And hit those who hit you. It’s something entirely different to meet hate with love. And hits with help. Only those who have truly met Jesus and been filled with His Spirit will make the salvation of their enemies more important than revenge. But it’s this true relationship with God through His son that reveals our priorities to an unbelieving world. Jesus said.
MATTHEW 5:43-48 (p. 678)
[The word “perfect” in this place doesn’t mean “without any flaws.” It means “doing what you were made to do (teleios). The Greek word for sinless is (ana martetos). Jesus doesn’t use this word here. Hammers are made to drive nails. Saws are instruments to cut wood. Frying pans are made to cook chicken. Each of these instruments are “Teleios” perfect, when they are doing what they were made for.
Jesus has made us “perfect” through His Holy Spirit. We are made to love like Him. Love our enemies. Love those who give us the cold shoulder. Love not like unbelievers, but love like our dad. Then we are doing what He made us for “perfectly.”]
Hate is a much easier emotion to cultivate than love, especially when it’s loving someone you’d prefer to hate...or you’ve been convinced deserves to be hated.
James Baldwin said, “I imagine that one of the reasons people cling to their hate so stubbornly is because they sense once hate is gone, that they will be forced to deal with pain.
The pain of burying a dear martyred brother...the pain of false imprisonment...the pain of persecution and injustice...the pain of a cross or rocks being thrown.
Tradition and cultural prejudice said that Phillip was supposed to hate the Samaritans...and yet he chose to head here to share the good news about Jesus, the Messiah.
Something powerful spiritually happens when we love and care for our enemies.
Gary Leon Ridgway is better known as the infamous Green River Killer. In 2003 he confessed to the murders of 48 women. In 2011 Ridgway was convicted of the murder of Rebecca Marrero, bringing the victim count up to 49. By his own confession, he may have murdered as many as 60 women. Ridgway especially despised prostitutes and targeted them for his killings.
At Ridgway’s 2003 sentencing, the families of the victims had the opportunity to speak out and address Ridgway directly. Understandably, many were angry and lashed out at Ridgway for the unimaginable grief he had put them through. As Ridgway stonily listened to the family members express their grief and anger, one person came up and said something unexpected. When the time came for Robert Rule, the father of teenage victim Linda Jane Rule, to speak, Ridgway finally showed a glimpse of remorse.
Rule’s words to Ridgway were: “Mr. Ridgway...there are people here that hate you. I’m not one of them. You’ve made it difficult to live up to what I believe, and that is what God says to do, and that’s to forgive. You are forgiven, sir.” These words brought Ridgway to tears.
I have this quote I use in my wedding ceremonies that’s Kari’s favorite. I’ve had it forever...It’s called “The Mystery of Love.”
“Love makes you feel special. It changes everyone for the better. It is the one commodity that multiplies when you give it away. The more you spread it around, the more you are able to hang onto it because it keeps coming back to you. Where love is concerned, it pays to be an absolute spendthrift. It cannot be bought nor sold, so give it away! Splash it all over! Empty your pockets! Shake the basket! Turn it upside down! Shower it on everyone-even those who don’t deserve it! You may startle them into behaving a way you never dreamed possible. Not only is it the sweet mystery of life, it is the most powerful motivator known to mankind.”
Phillip chooses to love the Samaritans...to minister to them...to help them...the result “there was great joy in that city.”
Joy isn’t happiness...joy can only be found by the child of God in the will of God...Circumstances, like persecution can take away happiness, but nothing can take away joy for the follower of Jesus when he is living in the Father’s will.
I need to challenge you with this question...if it’s the will of Jesus for us to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.
II. WHERE IS YOUR SAMARIA?
Who are you loving that’s not your neighbor...not one of your own...not someone you look like...or like?
I’m not talking about, “The least of these” people in need, the hospital, in prison or hungry or thirsty...I’m asking, “Are you doing anything with your witness beyond what unbelievers would do? Because I have to ask myself...Am I?
[Here’s where I believe our Samaria awaits...It is among the unbelievers we come into contact every single day of our lives...Samaritans and Jews had more in common than they had in differences...both had Jewish blood...both believed in a coming Messiah, and worship of God...both lived in a similar part of the world with similar laws. They were more like the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s than cowboys and Native Americans. More like the Sunni and Shiia Muslims...than a white supremacist and a Crip gang member. Their hatred became so passionate because they had similarities...so the differences were magnified.]
Here is our solemn challenge as Christians who live in the same culture as unbelievers. Disciples who have been commanded by Jesus to be His witnesses...
If we do not live in a way that draws others to this faith instead of repelling them...none of our words will matter. (Philip Yancey)
To early Christians in the Roman Empire who were facing this active hostility and persecution...Peter gives this advice a model of how to share God’s wisdom. I believe with all my heart it’s how we should share God’s wisdom here in America...as we find our Samaria.
“Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul...live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:11-12)
We, like Philip in Samaria, are not living in our homeland. We are part of another kingdom. This world, and its culture and priorities are not ours. We are foreigners here....temporarily in exile from “our Promised Land.”
Our calling is to be “different” to be “ambassadors” representing the Kingdom of God. How?
We live lives that reflect the love of Christ among the people of our culture. We are like salt and light. We don’t engage in the same pursuit of self. We engage in the pursuit of Jesus. If our lifestyle is no different then why would anyone in America or Samaria take notice?!!!
This world is filled with “impure spirits.” People are paralyzed in the pursuit of a life with meaning. Secular culture always promises more than it can deliver. Satan wants us to thing “we’re missing out on something.” Selfishness strokes my ego. Lust seems sexier than fidelity. Why should I care about the poor when I can insulate myself from them?
It takes active faith to follow Jesus’ counter-culture way.
Two things will most assuredly happen when you do. First, there will be persecution as the dark reacts to light. Whether it’s a cold shoulder or words of imprisonment...and second, the goodness and love of your deeds will lead to them “glorifying God.”
Find a place to “glorify God” with your life and deeds in your Samaria. Read at James Lane Allen. Connect with us to Habitat for Humanity. We are teaming with Mission Journeys to serve with Leonard Stone in Eastern KY for 2 trips, a men’s and a women’s. We need folks to serve in Room at the Inn for our homeless ministry in the fall and winter. And I can introduce you to Marissa who serves to rescue individuals in human trafficking and abuse. Or possibly your heart is to prepare food or help share the good news of your life through loving lost and hurting ladies in our Bruised Reed Ministry.
Isn’t it time for us to find our Samara?
Let’s Pray!
