What is the common thread between the events of Ferguson, Missouri and the ISIS fighters and uprisings in the middle east?
Maybe we should consider some common threads .. that surround the “death of one person” .. whether Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. — or American journalist James Foley beheaded by a “jihadist” madman — and even the “death of Jesus Christ on the Cross” ..
First of all .. each event, according to some is .. controversial .. mirrors the world in which we live .. sends a Message To America .. is yet another warning sign to many … requires more than just “surface thought” and must be deeply looked into … has some asking questions and seeking answers to some basic questions about life .. demands and outcrys for “judgement” … someones “civil and God-Given rights” have been violated … a “sorrowful mother” looked on in horror at the events ..
Death may leave a lot of questions unanswered for men .. BUT NOT GOD! … and God Is Not Dead … and the events of the world in the Middle East, Israel, Gaza, Saudi Arabia, Washington, DC or Ferguson, Missouri .. do not escape the ONE Who “was” .. and “is” .. and IS TO COME AGAIN!!
Watch and Listen to the NEWS .. there seems to be such “disorder” .. no one really “in control” …
YET THERE “IS” … don’t you find it “ironic” that Bill Clinton made the term “IS” so famous … and the I.S.I.S. is now wanting to be called “IS” .. but as you carry this thought to it’s final analysis .. There “IS” Only One Lord Over All .. only one “Most High God” .. only one “all Sufficient God” .. Whose Only Begotten Son – paid our sin debt in full! – His Name Is JESUS of Nazareth!
You see, the reality is in God’s Words … “Love rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6). Love never compromises God’s Word. Think about what Paul speaks about — a list of things that love does not do: become jealous, brag, act arrogantly or unbecomingly, seek its own, become provoked, keep track of wrongs suffered, or rejoice in unrighteousness. Now he comes to the first of five things love does: “Love rejoices with the truth” (v. 6)… The contrast in verse 6 is between love’s inability to rejoice in unrighteousness and its joy when truth prevails. “Truth” refers to God’s Word, which is the standard of righteousness. Paul could have said, “Love doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with righteousness,” but he went beyond the mere deeds of righteousness and addressed its standard and motive.
BOTTOM LINE .. whether in the Middle East Deserts of Iraq or Africa .. or Ferguson or St. Louis, MO — Love won’t tolerate false doctrine or sinful behavior, but it rejoices when God’s Word is taught and obeyed. The psalmist said, “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies. . . . I have more insight than all my teachers . . . . I understand more than the aged. . . . I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word. I have not turned aside from Thine ordinances, for Thou Thyself hast taught me. How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:97-104).
That’s the testimony of one who rejoices in the truth – but have we heard any of this from the desert madmen .. the Radical Muslims .. the street thugs and demonstrators in Ferguson .. from the Whitehouse in DC .. WHERE HAVE YOU HEARD THIS TAUGHT ..
Often Christians are willing to compromise sound doctrine for the sake of loving others. They believe that doctrinal precision is somehow divisive and unloving. But Scripture says, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. . . . For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (2 John 6-8).
Biblical love always operates within the parameters of God’s Word and spiritual discernment (Phil. 1:9-10). The most loving thing you can do is live according to biblical truth. Doctrinal compromise simply diminishes the quality of love and plays into the hands of the evil one.
Suggestions for Prayer
Ask God for wisdom and discernment to keep your love within its proper biblical bounds .. and let’s ASK GOD for His Mercy on all those that sew such turmoiul in our lives ..
For Further Study .. think on this .. Philippians 1:9-11 (NIRV)
9 I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding. 10 Then you will be able to know what is best. You will be pure and without blame until the day Christ returns. 11 You will be filled with the fruit of right living produced by Jesus Christ. All of those things bring glory and praise to God.