Psalm 120:5-7

“Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”

“Faithful Friends of Christ”

The psalmist was in a difficult place. He wanted peace in a world that was bent on war. Isaiah dwelt among people with unclean lips. Noah was called perfect in a time when the wickedness of humankind was great upon the earth. I have known some of those saints who did the best they could to live for Christ in the most challenging and hurtful situations. Sadly, we know too well that this is true even in the life of the church.

Jesus prayed for those who follow him because he knows what it is like to love in a world where hate is strong, to serve people who bite the hands that give them bread, and where the religious crucify the dearest friend they ever had because he refuses to play their games.

It is costly to be a Christian, and the price that some have paid is unimaginable. The only way they can endure it is by remembering the price that Jesus paid, and the glory of the third day. It is the prayer of Christ that keeps the faithful going when it would be easier to give up:

“I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” John 17:15-16

Faithful friends of Christ, never let the judgmental words of others keep you from walking with God. Prove them wrong by living right. If we could only strive to be like Daniel. His enemies said that if they would find anything to accuse him of it would be that he was faithful to God.

Issac Watts wrote, “Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas? Sure, I must fight if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray