Wholly Holy, Wholly
I am so excited that my husband, Chris, recently made the decision to come and join me in the High School Ministry department at our church and is currently co-teaching a class for Juniors and Seniors. He and his co-teacher are doing a phenomenal job just being a sounding board for many of these young men who need solid, male mentors in their lives. Chris and I talked recently about a table conversation among his group where some of the guys were sharing how hard it is at school nowadays to really have a voice when you happen to be a conservative Christian who stands by the inerrancy of the Word of God. There is SO much "progressive" Christianity out there that has distorted God's truth and if you happen to disagree with it, your voice is immediately squashed and you might even be labeled as a hater. This breaks my heart for a number of reasons. High School is such a hard place socially as it is and then to add on top of that being made to feel like you have no place to speak truth as you see it (and... uh hum... as it actually is), that can just be a crippling and lonely place to land. So, this post is dedicated to all the students out there desperately trying to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2) Take comfort in knowing that you are among those who are "surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses" (from Hebrews 12:1) and that all those faithful people who came before you have been right where you are! Read the following verses and really think about what they mean. They were not just written for the faithful people of biblical times. They were written for YOU!
So, who are "all these people" that these verses refer to who subsequently make up that "great cloud of witnesses?" I will get to some of that in a sec. But first, I just want you to stop and think about those words above. These people were being asked to do extraordinary things (for instance Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice Issac his own son or Noah when he was asked to build the ark) and even though I am certain they felt completely alone at times they KNEW they were only here on this earth for a finite period of time and they believed God when He told them He had something so much better for them. These people stood by the true words of God and didn't waver in the face of their toughest critics. Those that would have laughed at them, told jokes about them, called them ignorant and prudish or mis-informed and hateful. You, who today are also standing firm in God's truth, are also people looking forward to a country you can call your own. You do not long for the country you come from. You are looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland! And that, my sweet young friends, is why God is NOT ashamed to be called your God because he has prepared a city for you. Yes, you can go ahead and get excited about that because it IS your future!
So, back to the people being referenced in Hebrews 11 (sometimes referred to as the "Hall of Faith"). Among those mentioned by name are Abel, Adam and Eve's son, who brought sacrifices to God that were wholly pleasing to Him instead of giving Him something less than like his brother, Cain. He proved his faithfulness to God in this way. Sarah, who was married to Abraham, is mentioned for her faithfulness because she believed God when He told her she would have a son at the ripe old age of 90. Moses is mentioned for many obvious reasons, but one in particular is very relevant for you today.
Once again we find a faithful servant of God "looking ahead" for his reward. He knew it wouldn't come easy. He knew there would be much opposition in his life. But he just flat out decided that to suffer oppression while standing firm on God's truth was going to be a thousand times better than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of going with the flow. Sound familiar to anyone? You may be in a super tough spot right now as you find yourself out on what seems like an island all by yourself. But you MUST continue to look forward to your reward for continuing to stand firm on God's truth just like Able, Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Moses and so many others before you!
Who else? Let's see. The entire Israelite community was asked at times to do seemingly impossible tasks like walk through a sea that had been parted on either side for them. Are you familiar with the story of Jericho when God asked the community to march around the city gates for 7 days before they came crashing down after which God gave them a huge victory? I am sure at least some of the Israelites were thinking, "What in the world are we doing out here marching around these walls? Surely the people inside the city think we're all total nut jobs!" But, that didn't stop them. They marched on... and so will you! Then there was Rahab, a resident of Jericho, who trusted God and helped the Israelite spies instead of turning them over to the city officials. She could have died for that! But her faith was bigger than her oppressors and so is yours. What is your seemingly impossible task today? Is God asking you to stand up for Him even when the people around you want to unfairly label you for it? Is He asking you to muster every ounce of courage you have to make a stand for the true gospel today and not bow to the false doctrine that others are spouting which may leave you feeling completely exposed and vulnerable? Once again, look to your faithful ancestors and draw strength from their unwavering faith and bravery in the face of their seemingly impossible assignments.
Now, here comes some hard verses. The ones I'd honestly rather not share with you. But, I am not telling the complete story without recounting all of the facts.
Do I think anything even remotely like this is going to happen to you for standing firm in your faith? Absolutely not. Thankfully we do not live in a country that regularly stones people for exercising their First Amendment rights. So why even share these verses then? Because even though the oppression you face at your school looks different than what is described here, the point is these people didn't turn away from serving God in order to make things easier on themselves. They didn't recant their stories or turn back on their words all to make themselves more popular and likable. They just stood up in the face of those people shouting at them to stop speaking truth and said, "Bring it." Now, please hear clearly what I am about to say. I am NOT advocating disrespectful behavior or banter from any of you at any time. In fact, the entire reason for the name of this post is because I urge each of you as fellow Jesus followers to remain holy (or set apart) in your speech, actions, thoughts and behaviors even in the midst of a really tough day at school. Especially in the midst of that crowd of people who make you feel like an outcast for standing firm in your faith. Definitely around those who have taken it upon themselves to re-write God's word to appease the desires of their sinful hearts. And absolutely around those who are on the periphery watching you to see exactly how you will react to those who come against you for daring to have a different opinion than them. I mean, just leave it to Jesus to blow ALL our minds when He says things like this:
Um, yeah, I don't wanna do that, Jesus. I wanna completely blow up, loose control and scream at people who are distorting your truth to make it fit neatly with their sinful desires. But, consider with me for just a sec that the words of this song that you have all sung a thousand times now are written about those very people who make you want to scream.
He’s shadow lighting, mountain climbing, wall kicking and lie tearing for them! God doesn’t need to leave the ninety-nine in search of you. You’re already His! Your job then is to pray like you’ve never prayed before for those that do their best to tear you down. Say what now? You read it right the first time. Get on your knees and pray the hardest for those that treat you the worst. They need what you have and that’s really hard to understand right now because they are the ones who may be the most popular, the most athletic, the most sought after and seemingly having the most fun. But, if the living God is absent from their life, there is no real peace there. There is no real joy there. There is no real hope there. And lifting these people up by name on a regular basis allows you to participate in God's work in their lives. That sounds weird, I know. Here is a short section from an article by Focus On The Family that explains this better: "Does God need our help? No. He is all powerful and in control of everything in His creation. Why do we need to pray? Because prayer is the means God has ordained for some things to happen. Prayer, for instance, helps others know the love of Jesus. Prayer can clear human obstacles out of the way in order for God to work. It is not that God can't work without our prayers, but that He has established prayer as part of His plan for accomplishing His will in this world." Prayer is powerful. The end.
Well, almost. Just a couple more things. Do not fall into Satan's trap and believe his lie that you are all alone. I know some days you may feel like it, especially if you really are the only one in your friend group who isn't giving in to the pressure to conform to the world's standards. Somedays you may hear what seems like every person around you substituting their own versions of biblical "truth" for what you know is actual truth. You may feel voice-less and that is hard. Really hard! In those moments you need to have this verse on repeat in your head...
Did you catch that last part? You are part of a FAMILY of believers all of whom have gone through or are currently going through all of that same junk! Satan wants you feeling segregated. He wants you feeling isolated. That's his feeding ground, but don't you believe that lie. In the hardest moments you just say the name of Jesus and then remember always that you are in good company even if it feels like they are half way across the world.
High School will not last forever. There is absolutely life after this. So, I leave you with these final words of encouragement to keep your head up knowing that your unwillingness to change in the face of opposition is shining a light so bright that not even the bulliest bully who ever bullied could contain it.
"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
Hebrews 11:13-16
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:1-3
So, back to the people being referenced in Hebrews 11 (sometimes referred to as the "Hall of Faith"). Among those mentioned by name are Abel, Adam and Eve's son, who brought sacrifices to God that were wholly pleasing to Him instead of giving Him something less than like his brother, Cain. He proved his faithfulness to God in this way. Sarah, who was married to Abraham, is mentioned for her faithfulness because she believed God when He told her she would have a son at the ripe old age of 90. Moses is mentioned for many obvious reasons, but one in particular is very relevant for you today.
"It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward."
Hebrews 11:24-26
Who else? Let's see. The entire Israelite community was asked at times to do seemingly impossible tasks like walk through a sea that had been parted on either side for them. Are you familiar with the story of Jericho when God asked the community to march around the city gates for 7 days before they came crashing down after which God gave them a huge victory? I am sure at least some of the Israelites were thinking, "What in the world are we doing out here marching around these walls? Surely the people inside the city think we're all total nut jobs!" But, that didn't stop them. They marched on... and so will you! Then there was Rahab, a resident of Jericho, who trusted God and helped the Israelite spies instead of turning them over to the city officials. She could have died for that! But her faith was bigger than her oppressors and so is yours. What is your seemingly impossible task today? Is God asking you to stand up for Him even when the people around you want to unfairly label you for it? Is He asking you to muster every ounce of courage you have to make a stand for the true gospel today and not bow to the false doctrine that others are spouting which may leave you feeling completely exposed and vulnerable? Once again, look to your faithful ancestors and draw strength from their unwavering faith and bravery in the face of their seemingly impossible assignments.
Now, here comes some hard verses. The ones I'd honestly rather not share with you. But, I am not telling the complete story without recounting all of the facts.
"But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground."
Hebrews 11:35-38
Do I think anything even remotely like this is going to happen to you for standing firm in your faith? Absolutely not. Thankfully we do not live in a country that regularly stones people for exercising their First Amendment rights. So why even share these verses then? Because even though the oppression you face at your school looks different than what is described here, the point is these people didn't turn away from serving God in order to make things easier on themselves. They didn't recant their stories or turn back on their words all to make themselves more popular and likable. They just stood up in the face of those people shouting at them to stop speaking truth and said, "Bring it." Now, please hear clearly what I am about to say. I am NOT advocating disrespectful behavior or banter from any of you at any time. In fact, the entire reason for the name of this post is because I urge each of you as fellow Jesus followers to remain holy (or set apart) in your speech, actions, thoughts and behaviors even in the midst of a really tough day at school. Especially in the midst of that crowd of people who make you feel like an outcast for standing firm in your faith. Definitely around those who have taken it upon themselves to re-write God's word to appease the desires of their sinful hearts. And absolutely around those who are on the periphery watching you to see exactly how you will react to those who come against you for daring to have a different opinion than them. I mean, just leave it to Jesus to blow ALL our minds when He says things like this:
"You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."
(Matthew 5:38-40)
Um, yeah, I don't wanna do that, Jesus. I wanna completely blow up, loose control and scream at people who are distorting your truth to make it fit neatly with their sinful desires. But, consider with me for just a sec that the words of this song that you have all sung a thousand times now are written about those very people who make you want to scream.
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
He’s shadow lighting, mountain climbing, wall kicking and lie tearing for them! God doesn’t need to leave the ninety-nine in search of you. You’re already His! Your job then is to pray like you’ve never prayed before for those that do their best to tear you down. Say what now? You read it right the first time. Get on your knees and pray the hardest for those that treat you the worst. They need what you have and that’s really hard to understand right now because they are the ones who may be the most popular, the most athletic, the most sought after and seemingly having the most fun. But, if the living God is absent from their life, there is no real peace there. There is no real joy there. There is no real hope there. And lifting these people up by name on a regular basis allows you to participate in God's work in their lives. That sounds weird, I know. Here is a short section from an article by Focus On The Family that explains this better: "Does God need our help? No. He is all powerful and in control of everything in His creation. Why do we need to pray? Because prayer is the means God has ordained for some things to happen. Prayer, for instance, helps others know the love of Jesus. Prayer can clear human obstacles out of the way in order for God to work. It is not that God can't work without our prayers, but that He has established prayer as part of His plan for accomplishing His will in this world." Prayer is powerful. The end.
Well, almost. Just a couple more things. Do not fall into Satan's trap and believe his lie that you are all alone. I know some days you may feel like it, especially if you really are the only one in your friend group who isn't giving in to the pressure to conform to the world's standards. Somedays you may hear what seems like every person around you substituting their own versions of biblical "truth" for what you know is actual truth. You may feel voice-less and that is hard. Really hard! In those moments you need to have this verse on repeat in your head...
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
1 Peter 5:8-9
Did you catch that last part? You are part of a FAMILY of believers all of whom have gone through or are currently going through all of that same junk! Satan wants you feeling segregated. He wants you feeling isolated. That's his feeding ground, but don't you believe that lie. In the hardest moments you just say the name of Jesus and then remember always that you are in good company even if it feels like they are half way across the world.
High School will not last forever. There is absolutely life after this. So, I leave you with these final words of encouragement to keep your head up knowing that your unwillingness to change in the face of opposition is shining a light so bright that not even the bulliest bully who ever bullied could contain it.
"Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the life that lasts forever. You were chosen to receive it."
1 Timothy 6:12
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14
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