John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you.”
Living and working in the world is a real challenge. It is especially challenging today for those who believe in the salvation offered through Jesus’ as the Incarnate, suffering Savior whom God sent to redeem us. The world wants us to be like it. The world needs us to be fallen, broken and craven because it is. The world needs us to be depressed and on medication, weak and needing another human to follow, addicted to be comforted by its own weakness. The world wants and needs someone to blame for its malaise and dissolution. Look around, politicians are welcomed and cheered because they do what the world wants them to do – blame someone else for their present failures. We have but to look at the financial crisis and see how the politicians decided to reward those who lied, cheated and robbed investors and homeowners of their life’s work to line their own pockets. Jesus said to His disciples, “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.” And while His words do not seem to be a comfort we must remember that He promised eternal life and eternal joy not the temporal, momentary, earthly, fleshly pleasures that the world offers. As Christians our temporary suffering will give way to eternal life – soon and very soon. Remain strong and do not be alarmed at the worldly haughtiness.
Prayer: Loving God, help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and the promise, the New Covenant that You made with us through Him. This is the day that you have made help us to be glad and rejoice in it! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
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