Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
“So there was much joy in that city.” Acts 8:8
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Megan Roegner
I am not a brave person. You’d never catch me jumping out of planes, deep-sea diving, spelunking, or voluntarily public speaking to an audience composed of people over the age of 18. I am blessed and cursed with an overactive imagination. I can envision every terrible outcome to every possible eventuality.
It generally doesn’t take a lot of bravery to be a Christian in the United States. Despite manufactured controversies, like the designs of Starbucks holiday cups, Christians are widely accepted as part of our society, even if Christianity doesn’t hold the same level of cultural prominence than it has in the past. Case in point, my atheist and agnostic coworkers got me a cake and enthusiastically listened to a 15-minute presentation (PowerPoint and all) about Martin Luther for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
I hope that my faith is so strong and central to my identity that I wouldn’t betray it, even if I were in danger. But I wouldn’t like this hope to be tested. I am in awe of Christians in other parts of the world that are hostile to Christianity. One of my favorite artists, Scott Erickson, is creating a collection of portraits of persecuted Christians called “Icons of Hope” to raise money and awareness for the organization Open Doors. In one piece, he depicts a Nigerian woman named Hajaratu, who lost everything, even her daughter, fleeing from an attack by Boko Haram. He quotes her faith-filled witness in the caption: “Only words of gratitude, only words of gratitude. All I have to offer you, my God, are words of gratitude.”
Even with my powers of imagination, it is hard for fearful me to conceive of being able to respond to this depth of personal loss with such love and trust in God. Hajaratu and those sharing similar painful journeys are following in the footsteps of the early Christians. The events of Acts 8, including the spreading of the Gospel to Samaria and Ethiopia, occur after the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as Saul is “ravaging the church.” Despite the growing danger of persecution, the people of Samaria responded to Philip’s mission not with caution but with “much joy.”
While I am so thankful that I live in a time and place where it is safe to practice my faith, I can see how safety carries its own dangers. It becomes too easy to take God’s gifts for granted or to confuse them with comfort. We have much to learn about faith and courage from our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.
Prayer: Lord, be with those who are persecuted for loving you. Let them always be confident in your love for them, no matter the dangers they face. Give all of us the courage to stay faithful in difficult situations. Amen.
Prayer for My Local Church
- For my local congregation. My pastors, leaders, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I name them . . .
- For the Spirit’s power to gather and enlarge our congregation.
- For courage to speak the hope that is within us.
- For our church to serve and bear witness to our city, town, neighborhood, and community.
- For our church to walk together in unity. Quell any division and build us up in love and humility.
Benediction
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Cor. 13:14)