Devotion 6.17.15

The First Amendment to the US Constitution:  Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It is our favorite amendment, and logically it is one we hate vehemently.  It has given us brave speeches which created a firestorm of controversy but which proved, in the long run, to have changed our course of thinking and acting.  Art is included in speech, a form of speech, and as such, we have seen beautiful works of art, and some so controversial that we have prayed for the heavens and the earth to open and swallow up the creator of such works.  We are rare in that very few, if any, western nations have such a guarantee as the right to speak freely.  It gets tested almost daily in many instances.  Yet, in truth, this is an earthly issue, for many have continued to speak in places that assure persecution.  Martin Luther said the pope was not God, that works were not the method for salvation, and that there were many areas the Catholic church needed to reform, and for his thoughts, he was sought after for a certain death.  Deitrich Bohnhoeffer was critical of the churches capitulation to the Nazis and came to America to avoid imprisonment (which he eventually faced and was executed).

The truth, whether in a "free" environment, or in one of persecution, finds its way out.  The interaction between John and Christ is interesting in that it demonstrates true conviction and bravery in an environment they knew would be hostile to the truth (both were executed). "After me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 3:11)  Christ, after being baptized and tempted, begins to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (3:17)

This had to completely throw off the leaders of the day, religious and secular.  Who are these trouble-makers?  What is this they claim to offer and who are they claiming to be?  We pray that regardless of our freedoms, we maintain the truth in love.  We pray we speak the truth.  The truth may create discomfort, but it also heals and forgives. We pray for the Spirit to use us, regardless of circumstances, to extend that truth to all.  We also pray for our brothers in the faith who speak the truth in hostile lands, that God keep them safe from harm and that their message is received.

Hope Men's Ministry