Next week, the Discussion Board question in my Theology class is: “In view of the New Testament teaching of “loving our enemy/neighbor,” discuss the role of imprecatory prayers (psalms) for today? Can we pray “against” people or things today? Take a view and defend your position (with love!) and use scripture. Discuss.” I wanted to share my answer to this question as this week’s blog.
Imprecatory prayers are those calling for punishment or calamity to fall upon one who is doing evil. The flesh within us cries out to pray against the evildoers in the world in which we live today. My flesh does not want anything good to happen to people who are involved in evil practices. In fact, my flesh wants to see them punished for their “sins.” If someone has been rude to me I want others to be rude to them. This is human nature (flesh). But praying against people and asking for punishment for them would make me no different than the Pharisees who brought the woman in adultery to Jesus and asked him to pronounce a death sentence on her for her sin. While I do believe there is punishment for sin, I must let God decide the measure of punishment and how and when it is to be administered. Many times that punishment is simply the natural consequences suffered because of the sin.
I have been instructed by the inspired Word of God to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate me and pray for those who persecute me (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-36). In light of these Scriptures alone, I would be disobedient to my Lord if I failed to do just that. We all have people in our lives who have hurt us in various ways. We all know someone who we have trouble liking because of the way they act. Most of the time, this individual is not a Christian (which explains why they act the way they do). Instead of praying calamity or punishment on them, I pray for their salvation. I ask God to open their spiritual eyes and allow them to see Him at work around them and to recognize the error of their ways so they are open to repentance. I ask God to use me to bring this about. Since I know that God does not desire anyone to be condemned, I can ask these things and in confidence know that God will answer my prayers.
With regard to the evil things this person may do, I can ask God to block the effect of the act and I can ask God to stop the act from happening again. If the evildoer is a public official or leader, I do not pray for him/her to die or for horrible things to happen to their family. I pray for them to recognize God at work around them. I pray for God to lead them so they turn from their wicked ways. 2 Chron. 7:14 states, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Note the Scripture requires God’s people to turn from their wicked ways. We all should be “fessed up” (as my East Texas pastor used to say) before God can hear our prayers and heal our land.
In situations where children are fighting you often hear a parent say, “play nice.” As Christians we should “pray nice.” That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!
Love on one of your enemies today. You may be amazed how they respond.
Candy
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
GOOD FRIDAY
On Thursday night, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples for 30 pieces of silver; sold down the river for what amounted to the price of a slave. The Jews seized Jesus and bound him. He was first taken to the high priest, Caiaphas, who questioned him, asking if he was the Messiah. Jesus did not answer the question directly, but allowed his interrogators to conclude that he had said yes. He did not respond to other questions. His silence infuriated them. From the priests’ point of view, Jesus had caused enough trouble for the Council of Priests. Had he not chased the moneychangers out of the Temple? His heretic teachings must cease. Witnesses were brought forth to testify that Jesus said he would tear down the Temple and rebuild it in 3 days. This amounted to a blasphemous statement because the Temple was the most holy of structure in all of Jerusalem. The witnesses contradicted each other and could not get their stories straight. Jesus remained silent throughout this proceeding. Caiaphas was angered to the point that he tore his clothes in frustration and pronounced Jesus a heretic. With the consent of his fellow priests, he sentenced Jesus to death.
The following day, the Council of High Priests met again. They viewed Jesus as a threat to their power so they were determined to rid themselves of him. The decision was made to take Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Jews were not allowed to carry out capital punishment without confirmation from the Roman governor. They thought Pilate would have no reluctance to use his power to deliver the death sentence they sought. Pilate examined Jesus and asked him if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus simply responded, “You say that I am.” Pilot was puzzled by Jesus and told the assembled throng of people he could not find fault with him. The crowd was furious and called for the crucifixion of Jesus. Since it was Passover, Pilate reminded the crowd that he could release a prisoner of their choice. The answer was not what Pilate expected. The crowd called for the release of Barabbas, a murderer. Pilate, still not convinced Jesus must die, had him taken away and whipped, hoping this action would satisfy the crowd. After the beating, Pilate presented a beaten Jesus to the crowd, but they continued to call for his crucifixion. With a threat to the order of his Roman rule, Pilate stood facing this angry, unruly crowd. Bowing to the pressure of the crowd, and wanting to keep the peace, Pilate sent Jesus off to be executed, telling the Jews that he washed his hands of the entire matter. Because Jesus was a threat to their religious authority, the Jews took responsibility for what was about to occur.
Here it is, Good Friday; the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many people are off work today, taking a holiday. But, this was not a good day for Jesus. Jesus was crucified on that Friday. After three hours on the cross, Jesus died. His body was placed in a borrowed tomb, wrapped with grave linens and 75 pounds of ointment. Praise God that the story does not end there. Jesus did not stay in the tomb, but rose from the dead. He is still alive today!
I share this particular blog today to remind you of the sacrifice Jesus made. Neither you nor I have any idea of the physical pain involved in crucifixion. What a horrible way to died. It amounts to torture. And we must not forget about the beatings Jesus endured during his trials. Jesus wasn’t crucified because he did anything wrong; far from it. Jesus upset the status quo and threatened the position of the religious leaders. Jesus was crucified because of their fear. A lot of people are not willing to let God into their lives because of fear. They fear many things – the unknown, losing control, missing out on fun, being different. Satan is the author of fear. If you will refuse to allow Satan to scare you away, Jesus will give you the sweetest life you can ever imagine having; a life full of peace and contentment, even in times of strife and trouble. Christians are not promised a problem-free life. Better yet, we are promised a God who will never leave us or forsake us.
Before you bite off the ears on the chocolate bunny this year, stop and think that Easter is not about bunnies or chocolate at all. Easter is about new life. You can have a new life, an everlasting life, if you will simply trust in the Jesus whose sacrifice and life we celebrate this weekend.
I hope you know how very much God loves YOU!!
Candy
The following day, the Council of High Priests met again. They viewed Jesus as a threat to their power so they were determined to rid themselves of him. The decision was made to take Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Jews were not allowed to carry out capital punishment without confirmation from the Roman governor. They thought Pilate would have no reluctance to use his power to deliver the death sentence they sought. Pilate examined Jesus and asked him if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus simply responded, “You say that I am.” Pilot was puzzled by Jesus and told the assembled throng of people he could not find fault with him. The crowd was furious and called for the crucifixion of Jesus. Since it was Passover, Pilate reminded the crowd that he could release a prisoner of their choice. The answer was not what Pilate expected. The crowd called for the release of Barabbas, a murderer. Pilate, still not convinced Jesus must die, had him taken away and whipped, hoping this action would satisfy the crowd. After the beating, Pilate presented a beaten Jesus to the crowd, but they continued to call for his crucifixion. With a threat to the order of his Roman rule, Pilate stood facing this angry, unruly crowd. Bowing to the pressure of the crowd, and wanting to keep the peace, Pilate sent Jesus off to be executed, telling the Jews that he washed his hands of the entire matter. Because Jesus was a threat to their religious authority, the Jews took responsibility for what was about to occur.
Here it is, Good Friday; the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many people are off work today, taking a holiday. But, this was not a good day for Jesus. Jesus was crucified on that Friday. After three hours on the cross, Jesus died. His body was placed in a borrowed tomb, wrapped with grave linens and 75 pounds of ointment. Praise God that the story does not end there. Jesus did not stay in the tomb, but rose from the dead. He is still alive today!
I share this particular blog today to remind you of the sacrifice Jesus made. Neither you nor I have any idea of the physical pain involved in crucifixion. What a horrible way to died. It amounts to torture. And we must not forget about the beatings Jesus endured during his trials. Jesus wasn’t crucified because he did anything wrong; far from it. Jesus upset the status quo and threatened the position of the religious leaders. Jesus was crucified because of their fear. A lot of people are not willing to let God into their lives because of fear. They fear many things – the unknown, losing control, missing out on fun, being different. Satan is the author of fear. If you will refuse to allow Satan to scare you away, Jesus will give you the sweetest life you can ever imagine having; a life full of peace and contentment, even in times of strife and trouble. Christians are not promised a problem-free life. Better yet, we are promised a God who will never leave us or forsake us.
Before you bite off the ears on the chocolate bunny this year, stop and think that Easter is not about bunnies or chocolate at all. Easter is about new life. You can have a new life, an everlasting life, if you will simply trust in the Jesus whose sacrifice and life we celebrate this weekend.
I hope you know how very much God loves YOU!!
Candy
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