Friday, March 20, 2009

Aliens & Strangers...

Mark 13:13a
"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake."

Noah was mocked by those around him. Joseph was despised by his brothers. Moses was troubled by Dathan and his crew. Mordecai was hated by Haman. David was hunted relentlessly by Saul and his army. Many of the Old Testament prophets were killed by the very people they were sent speak to. Jesus was hated by the self-righteous religious people of his day. The disciples of Jesus were hated by those who killed them. Stephen was despised by the furious crowed who stoned him to death. John was hated by those who exiled him. Paul was hated by the religious people of his day, some of whom took a vow to kill him, and others of whom referred to him as a plague.

Hebrews 11:37-38
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Hebrews 11:13-16
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."

Mark 13:13b
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved. "

Revelation 2:10b
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
"

2 comments:

Steve Spray said...

It is good to be reminded that this world is not our home. Thanks.

Unbreakable Joy said...

Thanks Steve.