Be Ready

Verses: Luke 22 : 35 - 38

My thoughts about the verses:

Jesus first sent the disciples with nothing.  They were depend on the other followers to provide food, and shelter.  Jesus knew that they would be provided for.  The people at this point and time were on the side of Jesus.  They were newly converted and wanted to do anything to help the cause.

Yet, at the mount Jesus tells them that they must be prepared.  Instead of going into the world thinking people will help them he was preparing them that things would be different.  By the time that they would be by themselves  the word would have gone out that Jesus had been arrested.  That he had been labeled a criminal.  this would mean that the same people that helped them last time may turn them away.

I can really relate to this.  Tonight I was reminded about what it felt to have your friends and community to turn you out.  Knowing that because they did not live what they preached they had labeled you a sinner that Jesus could not love.  That you were choosing to sin and because of that you could not be reconciled with God.

See I grew up wanting and desiring to be around church as much as I could.  I loved listening to sermons.  Participating in youth activities.  Helping with the bus mission.  Singing in the choir.  In fact, I even attended College that my Church was running.  I was loved and people thought I would grow up to be a great Pastor's wife.  My only option in their book for serving God.

Yet, I was different and knew it my whole youth.  The worse part about the whole thing is that I also came to hate myself because of the teachings that I was hearing.  I don't know if they knew how depressed Church was making me.  The more I came to Church the more depressed I got.  It was like I could not do enough to please the people that I adored.

I was very closeted to my family and church during this time.  I was afraid if anyone found out I would loose everything.  How could I survive without my Church family.  Without my Church Family I would loose my connection with God.

What I realised tonight is that I still love this group of people.  I was part of their family as much as they were a part of my family.  Their teaching were the bases of what led me to accept Jesus as my Savior.  Though they are not in my inner circle they are still part of my extended circle.

Though we see things differently if it hadn't been for these people I would never found my salvation.  I desire to be friends with these people yet, know that is not possible.  It isn't possible because of one thing that we see differently.  I believe in the total priesthood of believers.  God's love is for all people.  We cannot judge people because of our sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity.  We have to love people because God loves us.

Jesus replaced the old laws.  He talked over and over again about love.  Those that love will receive great rewards in the afterlife.  I know that if certain people read this tonight that were a part of my inner circle in the past they may take it that I am judging them.  Yet, what I am trying to say is that we must love each other and accept our differences.

Jesus makes it very clear that there are now two commandments one to love God with all our Heart.  The second to Love our Neighbors.  So tonight I say I love the people that are against me because of my sexual orientation.  The truth is I forgive anyone that I was once angry with.  I need to do that to truly live my life with the love God has given to me freely.

So what can you take from this.  If you are a Christian be prepared to have people turn against you.  Following God isn't easy there will be people that you love that will turn against you.  There will be loved ones that will see you differently.  Remember no matter what happens to love them. Yet, do not think that you have to accept all the things that they say.  Lean on God.  The sword of faith needs to be your guide. Leaning on that you will be able to be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Prayer:

Dear God thank you for loving us.  Thank you for helping us overcome barriers that have been placed in our life.  Thank you for helping us forgive those that have hurt us.  Help us be the people that can love others without judging them.  In your Name we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Have you felt rejected by people that you have loved?  Are you willing to love others that have hurt you?  Are you willing to love people like God loves us?