Thursday, September 3, 2015

Philadelphia and Laodicea

Today, it behooves us all to recognize a hero of the Faith. In the face of the full power of the State, Kim Davis, County Clerk of Rowan, Kentucky chose prison over betraying her Lord. While she is not the first to suffer for Christ at the hands of the infidels who rule this country, as presidential candidate, former Governor, and Fox News host Mike Huckabee has noted, this is a major step forward towards the "criminalization of Christianity in this country." And while her persecution is certainly not comforting, we can glory in the courage and determination that this woman has shown in its face. There are yet "[...]a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes[...]" (Revelation 3:4)

And in the face of this, the crowd chanted "Love won! Love won!" It certainly did. Through the love of Jesus, an imperfect woman (the linked article mentions that she is on her fourth husband) sacrificed her freedom for the Truth. Whatever she might have done in the past, whatever fears she might have had in the present, she was willing to persevere.


Not all were so brave. "'I myself have genuinely held religious beliefs,' the judge [David Bunning] said, but 'I took an oath.'" To such concepts Jesus replies:
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)
Judge Bunning has placed the laws of the American State above the laws of Heaven. What good does an oath do that causes you to reject God? If, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:34) than what of one who loves a mere political construct? Unlike the faithful Mrs. Davis, his reward will likely be in this world, I hope he enjoys it.

And while "Her good-faith belief is simply not a viable defense," for Judge Bunning, an illegal immigrant's not quite as good faith belief (such things being impossible) that he is a she is sufficient for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to make up their own law to keep him in the country. It is truly as the poet W.B. Yeats once said:
"The best lack all conviction, while the worst 
Are full of passionate intensity."
Now is the hour of choice. Now is the hour which you must fight. Now is the hour that you will either bury the talent of Christ's gift in the ground, or will prove worthy of your Master's happiness. Keep the lamp lit!


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