June 19, 2024 -- Hebrews 10:32-36 -- Enduring for the Name of Jesus

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But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 10:32-36 ESV

The meetings continue. I am in a general assembly of church leaders. It is called Synod. I am a fraternal observer, which means my denomination, The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, sends me to bring greetings to this gathering of the church leaders of the United Reformed Church of North America. So, officially I am called a "fraternal delegate". That is, someone who from a different group of believers who attends the Synod and brings greetings.

One of the other fraternal delegates, Patrick, spoke just a few minutes ago. In order to come to this meeting, he had to start preparing more than a year and a half ago. He had to travel to Nairobi to get a visa application. He is an unassuming man. He is from the Reformed Church of Southern Sudan. If you know anything about recent political history, this is one of the most war-torn regions of the world.

Members of Patrick’s congregation are often brutally beaten by soldiers. His people flee to other countries. A few years ago soldiers took over Patrick's home and booted his  whole family out. He stayed in the neighbourhood of his church. He preached. In view of the Gospel he knew he could not do anything else. How did he endure it? He had confidence in God his Father. He was assured the plundering of his property and his losses here on earth cannot compare with the weight of glory that is in store for him in heaven. He kept in view the needs of his flock, those young Christians who needed to be spiritually fed. After two plus years, the Lord gracious restored Patrick's home to him and his family. Though violence continues all around. them and the church. He did not tell us these facts. It took another delegate, one from South Africa, who stood up and declared to us all what Patrick had endured. Patrick himself never referred to it.

Here is what deeply and truly struck me. As he stood addressing the delegates, the overwhelming majority of us who live very comfortably in North America, he assured us that the churches of his federation pray, every week, for their family in Christ in North America. That is sobering, isn’t it? What does he and his congregation pray for their North American counterparts? They do not look to their own, great needs, they appeal to God asking:

  • that Christians in North America will be faithful to Jesus

  • that Christians will resist the agenda of those who are perverted in their sexual agenda. Those who are out to fight against the Bride of Christ.

  • They pray that Christians here will mentor the young pastoral leaders over there, so that the young pastors in South Sudan will remain faithful to Jesus.

I was left wondering, who is prepared to face this challenge? Who is prepared to go to one of the newest nations on earth and stand firm for the glorious Name of Jesus—discipling men who are prepared to stay in some of the worst conflict zones in the world, so that the Name of Jesus Christ will be lifted high. What a mighty God we serve! How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news.

Lord of all nations, King of Glory, let Your people in South Sudan continue to be refreshed by the powerful presence of Your Holy Spirit. Give courage that is grounded in the fact that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Hear their prayers. Increase the number of men and women who defy the bloodshed and the violence and still faithfully go to assemble in Your house, O Lord. Thank You for the prayers of our South Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ, who are storming the gates of heaven, approaching the throne of grace, where they appeal to Jesus on our behalf. Asking that North American Christians will stay strong in the face of potential cultural compromise and continue to boldly declare the Gospel here and to the ends of the earth. Hear our prayers, O Lord. Among all Your people, near and far, increase our fighting spirit so that we will be bold ambassadors for the Gospel. Amen.

https://youtu.be/mISbGETVr84?si=6lLTNzuYzJ5CwrHO And Can It Be?

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