Devotional - June 18, 2004

They say people who feel lonely and despondent can get that way in the middle of a crowd. Life need only take a simple turn and things can seemingly collapse around you. Added to that is the fact that some people are prone to experience problems more than others.

Like clockwork, it seems that we Christians go through dark valleys right behind the most shining mountain top experience. If things seem perfect now, don't be surprised if you become disappointed before sundown. If you don't feel lonely right now Christian friend, just wait - trials are coming.

Elijah was driven to a dark cave out of fear for what a woman named Jezebel threatened to do to him. This followed perhaps the most startling demonstration of God's power on behalf of the prophet. If Elijah can get depressed, anyone can.

Peter had reason to be concerned. He was jailed and bound by two chains and placed between two Roman soldiers while a third person guarded his cell. King Herod had already put James, the brother of John to death and now imprisoned the big fisherman who many believed was at the heart of this new movement among the followers of Jesus.

Peter was broken out of that jail by an angel, but countless other believers didn't enjoy such intervention. Many first century believers woke up in jail to face hungry lions for the amusement of blood thirsty citizens. Others would watch their children being executed before they themselves were killed. Were they fearful of what might happen? No doubt!

Isolation, desolation and intimidation: the things endured by the first generation of believers can be very disheartening. Our generation knows nothing of this kind of torture from the world. However, haven't we in the church learned to do it to each other?

On Sunday I heard a preacher condemn others who had a different persuasion on the free will of man. Then I heard a radio teacher, who is supposed to have all the answers, condemn anyone for teaching the rapture of the church. On Monday I learned that a false rumor was being passed around by a minister that prevented a willing servant from working in the youth group. On Tuesday I heard a lady was prevented from serving publicly in the church because as a new Christian, she hadn't overcome the enslaving habit of smoking. By Wednesday, facts were revealed that should had prompted those in authority to ask for forgiveness. But no apology was offered and no plans are being made to reconcile with those who were hurt by their slander.

Too many times, we as the church of Jesus Christ don't need an outside enemy to isolate, desolate and intimidate the weak among us. We do a pretty good job of that on our own to our own. God forgive us, especially for the fact we believe repentance is something required for only those who don't know you.

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent - the Lord detests them both. Proverbs 17:15

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ki. 19:1-21 Ac. 12:1-23 Ps. 136:1-26 Pr. 17:14-15 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society