This week we celebrate Christmas—the coming of Christ into our world. But, He was not welcome. He entered the world in a stable and was executed with three spikes. John says, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”(John 1:11). In judging Him unworthy to be their King, Israel brought judgment upon themselves. That is the course our country is following.
America is in a perilous position. The nation has faced many assaults in the past. Two weeks ago, on December 7, we were reminded of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that launched us into World War 2. Now, another attack has come again from Asia—an unseen enemy.
As physically deadly as COVID-19 can be to some, what has happened in our response is to jeopardize, “the land of the free and home of the brave.” Growing government tyranny and the attack on cherished freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to bear arms, along with the decline of our economy through lockdowns, while embracing the butchering of babies in the womb and parading of perversion in the streets is more frightening. I don’t take this virus lightly. I could die from it. But, the virus of sin is worse! Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
How will the church respond to living in a hostile world? The encouragement is that the church in its infancy grew and flourished in a pagan culture where they were hated and hurt. So, may we. Jesus promised that His church would march to victory and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand her. Paul was in bonds, but the Gospel was not bound (2:9). He was leading prison guards and prisoners to faith, and some of those soldiers would wind up as Imperial guards and witness to those of Caesar’s household! He was penning powerful words that are still changing lives today. May God help us keep true!
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