Obedience proves greater.

So there I sat and she was jumping, literally overjoyed by the persecution she faced.  We're talking singing this "I got persecuted but I am victorious because I have Jesus" chant over and over with arms in the air and feet dancing.  Truthfully, it was the complete opposite I was prepared for.  I tend to plan for for tears, hopelessness and complete panic over loosing a job.  Let alone figuring out how to explain to a new employer in this world that she's looking for a position because she was asked to stop talking about Jesus with clients, and refused.

It's not that she is clueless to the struggles that will come and the reality that bills have to be paid.  But she simply believes there is a God bigger than loosing a job over her unwillingness to deny her Savior.  She is solely satisfied in her obedience because Jesus is the affection of her heart.  The story is so much bigger than "how irresponsible and ridiculous to loose your job rather than just stop talking about Jesus"


Does anybody see it?  We are missing the entire point.  We've become so blind to obedience.

I don't know when the "christians" of America are going to stop setting their entire lives up and living in sin for the sake of worldly comfort.

Revelation 3:15-16“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

I don't know how to clearly communicate the utter tragedy and devastation that builds in our own lives by choosing comfort over obedience to Jesus.  I don't know when this will begin to take importance in more lives and catalyst to action the "christians" of America.

I know several selling their possessions to board a one way ticket, because reality is, death is likely the outcome for teaching the gospel in the middle east.  That is radical obedience and I know full well they are not lukewarm and the kingdom of God is theirs today and when struggles come.

I know one girl barely out of high school abandoning the american dream and a white wedding dress for an orphanage in the middle of Africa.  She no better is displaying the gospel to her fear-ridden parents who will spend days and nights apart only able to rely on Christ for safety of their child.  Her obedience is beautiful.    

I know one risking a paycheck and loosing an image held by thousands from confessing sin to bring forth freedom and that is choosing the gospel as most valuable.  That is what the people of the American church need to see by their leadership.

I've held the sleeping baby mid flight of one family transplanting to Ethiopia with three young children because the gospel needs to be taught.  Jesus does not call parents when their children are old and grown.  He calls us to obedience when it is hard, messy and irrational.
 

People who radically follow Jesus have no fear of worldly consequences that produce uncomfortable circumstance.  Obedience proves greater.  Jesus proves better. 

"If anyone wants to learn obedience, he must abandon reason."-Watchman Nee 

This world sees consequences to the obedience of the gospel as miserable and punishment.  This world sees obedience as unreasonable.  It is no punishment to suffer as response to obedience.  It is no punishment.     

I have to believe that out of the sufferings of obedience better things come.  Things that carry the kingdom to this broken world.  

Obedience proves greater.  It always will.