So back in the 90's there weren't any Christian bands even close to as good as DC TALK... so when I got saved, they were still a big deal at the turn of the century. I remember I bought Intermission, their greatest hits cd, and I loved it! In fact, another mentor shout out, Donnie Smith claims to know Toby Mac, haha (ok, he actually does know him... and Donnie used to be a rapper... "R U N to God's Word... run to God's Word" haha, yes, I still remember that!)
Anyway, not only is DC TALK a really awesome musical groupu, but they use their talents and their platform for so much more. In 1998 they formed the E.R.A.C.E. foundation - Eliminating Racism And Creating Equality. They're way legit guys, and their lyrics are undeniably Christian.
They've also authored a few books.. I have a couple of them. And one I can't help but refer you to check out is Jesus Freaks: Martyrs. It tells story after story of Christian martyrs over the past 2000 years willingly dying for their faith. One of the stories that really got my attention was of the Thundering Legion, a group of 40 Roman soldiers who were killed in 320AD... now, they weren't killed in battle, they didn't die from a long march, no, they were herded onto a frozen pond naked until they died... but why? and by whom? By invading barbarians? no. By retreating during a battle thus facing execution? no. See, they were killed for believing in Jesus. They couldn't forsake the True King for an earthly king... that's some solid stuff!
Well, there's a guy in Scripture named Peter who also lived for the True King. He's a guy that lived life with Jesus for three years as his closest disciple. Peter was The Rock that Jesus would build His church on... Well, 30 years after Jesus' death, Peter writes a letter to a multitude of churches in modern day Turkey. He encourages them to remember that God's great compassion has given us a new identity of hope. That no matter what's happening, there's hope. That no matter how people treat you, it doesn't matter, because nobody can take away the love, mercy, compassion, newness, and hope that God has earned for us. He has given us a living hope.
Well, that was HUGE for the Christians back then. They knew all about persecution. For the past 30 years, the early church had suffered from a widespread persecution. This was intense stuff. People were being arrested who hadn't broken any rules. The only thing they were guilty of was believing in Jesus. They were arrested, beaten, many were killed...
And as much as that's removed from our American culture (we don't get arrested or killed), many of us still get persecuted. Maybe you get picked on or teased, or maybe some people don't wanna be associated with a "Christian" so they don't talk to you or include you in neighborhood activities or events. This pretty much happened to my friends Brad, John and I. We've been playing on this ice hockey team for the past couple of years - a team that John founded and that Brad and I have been on since the beginning. Well, John goes off and gets married and can't run the team for a session so some new guys come in... long story short, none of us are playing any more. It's sad, but ya know, I have more important things going on anyway.
Now, while I don't know specifically what each one of you are dealing with, I do know the truth of 1 Peter 1:7. I know that
"These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes
even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise,
glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Persecution, as stupid and unfair as it is, can really be kinda good for ya. I know that may sound crazy to some of you. But the positive side of persecution is that is strengthens your faith. It gives you opportunities to rely completely on God... and we all need that, don't we? I know I do.
So let's embrace the title of Jesus Freaks. Let's boldly live our lives for Christ. Let's have enough courage to be able to face (and grow from) persecution. Let's honor The King - even if it means being tortured... even if it means freezing to death naked on a frozen pond. Let's be Jesus Freaks.
And let's keep looking up, 'cause God's looking down... and eye contact is crucial.
No comments:
Post a Comment