Stocks? Bonds? Bombs?

In the first century, Christianity came under attack by a government that didn’t understand it and feared it. We read accounts of unfair persecution in the bible: of James, of Paul, of Jason. We understand the heroism of the saints, who in the face of these trials and indeed of perversions coming from their very midst’s still stood fast like rocks of ages, determined to do that which is right, to keep themselves spotless from the world. They invested their time, their deeds, their fortunes in the world beyond, and put their patience to work in the dark days that went by. What about us?

Like many other Americans and probably some of you, I spent part of my day Tuesday at a memorial service. I attended a town candlelight vigil, where the band played a few songs and various religious leaders prayed for the country. I am a big fan of praying for the country, because while yes, God is in control, I think he also wants to know the needs of his people. I was more than a little disappointed that of all the “reverends” and “pastors” that prayed, almost all of them were women. I was also more than a little disappointed that rather than pray mainly for our leaders to make wise decisions, perhaps even based on the wisdom of the bible (aren’t these religious people?), they prayed mostly for God to restore our “way of life”. They also asked him to take vengeance and deliver justice to those who wrongfully kill the innocent and helpless. Hmmmm. I love freedom, however I am not so excited about a way of life that allows people to kill innocent, helpless unborn babies. Is that what we will be fighting for? In some people’s minds, I guess so. I’ll stick to simple freedom, as allowed by God, thank you.

Our family went to the Big E yesterday. That’s the New England Exposition, the 9th largest fair in the USA. Hawkers were selling shirts, bags, glasses, shoes, you name it with the US flag on it. They were really raking in the dough. Also, before we left home it was mentioned on TV that many people are investing heavily in “wartime” companies. Things that will be in high demand by the government, or by consumers, if we go to a full scale war. Things like the “anthrax vaccine”? were on the top of the list. I don’t mind people making money. I certainly don’t mind them being patriotic! Their motives just seem questionable. Are they investing to help the country, or are they banking on war? Other people will give blood, give time, give money. Give their children to die.

Let’s see. It’s the first century and it’s obvious Christianity is going to be coming under attack. Many people practice gluttony, idol worship, fornication. Would YOU pray for this “way of life” to continue? Maybe you have an opportunity to invest in… Shackles? Chains? Hot oil? Lions? Crosses? How would you invest?

Acts 12:1-5 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

II Timothy 1:16-18 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Acts 17:6-9 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.