Reference Passage:
Psalm 136:3-4 (NIV)
Psalm 136:3-4 (NIV)
Give thanks to the Lord of lords
His love endures forever.
to Him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
His love endures forever.
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Solitary confinement is one of the most powerful forms of torture invented by the human mind. Man, being naturally social, simply self-destructs in absolute loneliness. Its the presence of another, or at least the hope of it, that keeps the lamp of the human spirit lighted even though surrounded by struggles on every side. Globally, law-and-order establishments have employed this tool successfully to punish the condemned. In the world of commoners like you and me, its also seen that people sometimes try to isolate those they deem unworthy to fit into their group. The effect is the same - loneliness is painful and leaves the victim drained and helpless.
God has had His share of enemies all through history, who've imagined that categorically sidelining Him or His followers was an effective method to crush the blossoming buds of faith. In the early days of Church history, the higher echelons of the Roman Empire derived barbaric pleasure in murdering Christians. The trend continued for centuries until Emperor Constantine declared his 'allegiance' to Christianity and pronounced the birth of 'Christendom'. In modern times, even governments of self-respecting nations have attempted to wipe out the mention of God's name with fervor. Stories of terror continue to emerge from countries like China and North Korea as attempts are made to strangle the heart cry of the believer in Christ.
However, just as in the past, the Name of Jesus Christ continues to ignite passion in many. Reports testify that massive underground Church movements have developed over the years, on the very ground that drank the sweat, tears and blood of countless sacrificial lambs. Read here the story of Asia Bibi who has been shut up in a Pakistani prison on alleged blasphemy charges. This is not the story of oppressed fanatics in shining armor, making a statement with guns and bombs. We're seeing disciples who're convinced that God in isolation is still a miracle-maker.
More interestingly, many of us who go by the label of faith, have turned our backs on God's cause at critical moments. We've found it too hard to believe His higher call, and accepted that our purpose in life is to live for ourselves taking God's help if necessary. At times, we've experienced a revival marked by energetic enthusiasm. Yet, in no time, we have second thoughts that dismiss the whole thing as an illusion. Befriending the One who gave His very life for love's sake, is still a scary thought. In other words, the Lord is shut up in some solitary corner of our minds that may or may not be visited, depending on the mood of the moment.
Both parties - enemy and disbeliever - once met on Calvary's hill to witness the dying moments of Jesus Christ. The enemy could barely hide his smile of triumph. The disbeliever kept asking, "Why don't You save and prove Yourself?" In His lonely moment, the Saviour answered neither.
Yet, by the third day, Death could no longer hold Him in the grave. Clothed with power, Jesus Christ rose victorious having received the Name that is exalted above every other name. The ancient prophesy was fulfilled again - He had done wonders without anybody's help. This magnificently explains why the foe and the skeptic continues to search for meaning in life without solving their problems.
All that remains for thought is whether we will now switch sides to the minority, and experience this unique Person for a lifetime, although it may mean leaving the comfortable crowds that are headed for the mysterious black hole called Death.
God has had His share of enemies all through history, who've imagined that categorically sidelining Him or His followers was an effective method to crush the blossoming buds of faith. In the early days of Church history, the higher echelons of the Roman Empire derived barbaric pleasure in murdering Christians. The trend continued for centuries until Emperor Constantine declared his 'allegiance' to Christianity and pronounced the birth of 'Christendom'. In modern times, even governments of self-respecting nations have attempted to wipe out the mention of God's name with fervor. Stories of terror continue to emerge from countries like China and North Korea as attempts are made to strangle the heart cry of the believer in Christ.
However, just as in the past, the Name of Jesus Christ continues to ignite passion in many. Reports testify that massive underground Church movements have developed over the years, on the very ground that drank the sweat, tears and blood of countless sacrificial lambs. Read here the story of Asia Bibi who has been shut up in a Pakistani prison on alleged blasphemy charges. This is not the story of oppressed fanatics in shining armor, making a statement with guns and bombs. We're seeing disciples who're convinced that God in isolation is still a miracle-maker.
More interestingly, many of us who go by the label of faith, have turned our backs on God's cause at critical moments. We've found it too hard to believe His higher call, and accepted that our purpose in life is to live for ourselves taking God's help if necessary. At times, we've experienced a revival marked by energetic enthusiasm. Yet, in no time, we have second thoughts that dismiss the whole thing as an illusion. Befriending the One who gave His very life for love's sake, is still a scary thought. In other words, the Lord is shut up in some solitary corner of our minds that may or may not be visited, depending on the mood of the moment.
Both parties - enemy and disbeliever - once met on Calvary's hill to witness the dying moments of Jesus Christ. The enemy could barely hide his smile of triumph. The disbeliever kept asking, "Why don't You save and prove Yourself?" In His lonely moment, the Saviour answered neither.
Yet, by the third day, Death could no longer hold Him in the grave. Clothed with power, Jesus Christ rose victorious having received the Name that is exalted above every other name. The ancient prophesy was fulfilled again - He had done wonders without anybody's help. This magnificently explains why the foe and the skeptic continues to search for meaning in life without solving their problems.
All that remains for thought is whether we will now switch sides to the minority, and experience this unique Person for a lifetime, although it may mean leaving the comfortable crowds that are headed for the mysterious black hole called Death.
