Article: REFLECTING ON THE UNTHINKABLE

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 08:18 PM

REFLECTING ON THE UNTHINKABLE
By Patrick D. Andrews

The first anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001 are fast approaching. Whereas we might think of this as the most unthinkable act of terror and horror, we must conclude that terrible things have happened to people for various and "justifiable" reasons throughout the history of mankind. In the case of 9/11/2001, some certain Muslims were convinced, by some person or persons, that they should kill as many infidels as they could. It's an issue of terror, but it's based on religion and it is against "Christianity," although much of our country and its citizenry are not very Christian.

It's not the worst event that has ever occurred, but it does qualify as the one with the most media coverage. Real Christianity has suffered a great deal throughout the centuries. Acts 8:1b ....And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (ASV) In the next chapter the much overlooked verse contains so much. Acts 9:1 But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, (ASV) Saul wasn't the only persecutor and the threatening and slaughter was being forced on other Christians in addition to Stephen.

Some centuries later, I walked through the excavated ruins of the Roman Coliseum in Trier, Germany. The walls of the tunnels and passages under the coliseum contained the handwritten inscriptions of some of our brethren that were brutally mistreated by these "highly civilized" people.

There I stood "face to face" with the historical evidence of Rome's reaction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Brethren from all walks of life were thrust into a situation that must have required the conviction of "Stephen" to faithfully endure the tortures and terrorism of the day. They were subjected to torture and pain that far exceeded the instantaneous inferno caused by last September's crashing jet airplanes. Our brethren endured their Christian persecution with unshakable faith.

I consider all of these things as I read the inspired writings of Paul and think of the horrible deaths that so many of our brethren have died. It is a contemplation that takes into consideration the proximity of both time and space. It causes serious thinking about Paul's address to the brethren at Corinth, and when our brothers and sisters were dying in Trier's coliseum.

I cannot determine when they died. Were they just "unfortunate" people in the wrong place at the wrong time? I can say that one thing is absolutely certain. Each of us has different things that happen in each of our lives. Without exception, we must all accept the fact that we are individuals that move in different directions and we are associated with different people, associates, and friends. I can also say with equal surety that we each have our own talents and abilities which have grown beyond those with which we began our Christian walk.

It's a difficult task to always be spiritual as our humanity is lived in fleshly bodies in a society that is far from supportive to our cause. It's a society that is very competitive--prone to put ourselves forward and above others. Consequently, we have a tendency to disdain the accomplishments of others and magnify those of our own.

Have you ever been in worship, and someone is selected to lead a prayer, and their words of choice are different than your first choice of words? Do you easily react in a spiritual manner? Perhaps, the Lord's Supper is not served as you would serve it, or the singing is not led as you would lead it. Maybe the standing for prayer or song is not at the time of your choosing. Each are examples of differences that are equally acceptable as worship to God.

Our peculiarities are sad. We contain pride for self and resentment for differences that others possess. If we will but place each talent and special ability we possess in its proper perspective, we will be able to keep ourselves in the rightful relationship to Jehovah God--He's the giver of all perfect blessings. We all can do a hundredfold more with our gift(s), when we acknowledge that they are God-given blessings. If we will allow Him to do so, He will draw out the best within each of us. God will out bless our highest expectations if we will give Him all of our acceptation.

Considering the past, if we were in some Roman coliseum, how would we react to the calling out of our brother or sister. Shouldn't we be concerned with the condition of their soul and the solidarity of their faith rather than the label in their clothing. It takes a lot of courage, conviction, and faith to stand up to Satan.

Stephen showed the conviction necessary to give himself for the cause of Christ and he had the capacity to love in such a forgiving way. We still acknowledge Stephen's great faith. God will use us to do His will if we will let Him. We are constantly faced with decision--God or Satan! What will we do? Will we recognize the gift of God? Will we join together in the process of seeking and saving the lost? Will we forever try to grow in our Christian character? I thank God that He has given us His only begotten Son. I am grateful that we can live and even die for Him because He died to give us life. John 10:10b ....I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.