Finally, a
closing exhortation for my fellow Christians in these days. The author of the
letter to the Hebrews commended the early Christians when they were unjustly
treated because they “joyfully accepted the plundering of their property”
(Hebrews 10:34). In our
day, we are facing two challenges in relation to this biblical exhortation:
some don’t want to call what’s happening “plunder;” and some don’t want to
accept it with joy.
Deep joy in the midst of these troubled
times is possible, because all authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to Jesus, and his kingdom is forever.
Some don’t want to insist on the other side’s
lawlessness, and some simply want to grumble, fuss, and shriek about the other
side’s lawlessness. The questions above were directed at the first group. We need to get straight on who the lawless ones are here.
But in my judgment the latter issue is more important, partly because we see it
so infrequently.
As we resist the petty tyrants of our day, as we go to jail
for refusing to bow down and worship their image, as our property is plundered
because we won’t bake cakes that celebrate the lie, we must do all of this with
joy in our hearts and laughter in our bones. No scowling and spittle. No sulky
tantrums. No angry fits about the injustice of it all. Such things are
unbecoming and ineffectual. Besides that, they’re tacky.
The
Scriptures are clear that we have “a better possession and an abiding one,” and
therefore we can gladly let goods and kindred go. Thus, as we develop and
implement our theology of resistance, we ought to be ready to accept the
consequences of such resistance gladly, going on our way rejoicing
because we’ve been counted worthy to suffer for the Name (Acts 5:41).
Joy is
not optional. It’s essential. What’s more, deep joy in the midst of these
troubled times is possible, because all authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to Jesus, and his kingdom is forever.
