11 July 2015 - shout from the rooftops

Therefore do not be afraid of them.

Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,

nor secret that will not be known.

What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;

what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

Jesus is speaking this word to us. He is telling us how to proclaim his word even when it is frightening. We are coming to a time when we may actually have to face persecution for the word of God. Jesus is showing us that we don't have to be afraid even if this happens. He cares about us so much that he won't let anything happen to us that isn't a part of his plan.

Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?

Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.

Even all the hairs of your head are counted.

So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Sparrows do fall to the ground, even though they are valuable, even though the Father cares about them and knows that they fall. In that light, is this comforting? It should be. Even the death of sparrows, certainly not the way things are 'meant to be' can be a part of God's plan and bring him glory. Any trials we face, from embarrassment and broken relationships to lawsuits to martyrdom can bring glory to God. This is precisely the lesson of the life of Joseph.

Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good,

to achieve his present end, the survival of many people.

One thing we learn from Joseph is how to love even the brothers who do us wrong. His brothers almost killed him and sold him into slavery. They feared that he would not forgive them. But he loves them perhaps more than ever when he sees them in Egypt because he sees God's hand at work. They are worth more than many sparrows. Joseph imitates the God who loves us while we are yet sinners (cf. Rom. 5:8). He realizes that they are not trapped as sinners but that the plan of God can bring them to salvation and forgiveness.

We are reminded that God's plan is always bigger than the plans of the culture. We see that even while he works against the evil ideologies of our day he is working for the good of all. This is why we must not be afraid to proclaim his truth from the rooftops.

Everyone who acknowledges me before others

I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.

But whoever denies me before others,

I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

This is what the culture needs to hear. God is working behind the scenes in any heart that gives him even a little room to help that heart accept the message. He wants such hearts to be glad! That is why silence is not an option.

 Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!