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| William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) - The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1880) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
How can we sing the songs of the Lord
while in a foreign land?
Psalm 137:4
New International Version (NIV)
Americans are everywhere. And there are all sorts of people from around the world coming to the United States. Immigration has been in the news in a big way of late, even as we see Americans traveling as tourists in best case scenarios and acting as invading armies in others. The world sometimes feels like it's spinning faster and faster. It has seemed smaller for many decades now.
When I was a child I used to dream of being a missionary. In actuality I don't think I'm cut out for that type of work. In any case my calling is gone. There is so much evil in the world that missionary might be one of the most dangerous jobs a person can do. There are some places where the missionary's job can bring a death penalty or even worse. I say worse because for many Christians death might be deemed a blessing and a reward.
Jesus is feared, hated, discredited, and ridiculed in many places including the Western countries that we typically think of as Christian countries. How can we feel inspired to sing the praises of Jesus Christ when we live in fear or uneasiness?
Get over it! We all have a job to do and sometimes it ain't pretty. Our love for the Lord must go beyond the love we have for ourselves and this life on this Earth.
If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!
1 Corinthians 16:22
New International Version (NIV)
You're right, Arlee! God first . . . no matter the circumstances and the potential discomfort.
ReplyDeleteThis is like a voice reaching out from a faraway place.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good time, Boidman.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
You're oh so right Lee we are all here for a purpose and the sooner we get on without feeling fear the world may be a better place.
ReplyDeleteHave a good time where ever you are.
Yvonne.
We don't have to go to another land to do the Lord's work. There's typically plenty to do within a few feet of wherever we're currently standing! There's a mission field right in front of us. Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteHi Arlee! Your post reminded me of the quote from Moonstruck: "Snap out of it!"
ReplyDeleteWe all do have a job to do, that is true. It's hard not to be discouraged, but I do love Paul's tenacity. I could learn a lot from him :)
Peace in Christ,
Ceil